Literacy Scholars for the Future of Los Angeles (LSLA) is a 9-unit specialization in early literacy and language acquisition giving teacher candidates classroom and field experience in developing and implementing age-appropriate instructional materials, activities, and lesson plans. Participants also gain direct experience engaging families in high-need school districts in shared activities that promote lifelong literacy learning in children. Participation is by application only, with scholarship assistance made possible with generous support from the Mara W. Breech Foundation.
Students who choose the LSLA Specialization as a part of their Teacher Preparation Program complete the LSLA Specialization classes: LRS 333: Perspectives on Literacy, LRS 433/F: Practicum in Early Literacy, and CHS 480/F: Chicana/o-Latina/o Children’s Literature in Communities or LRS 425A-Z: Selected Topics in Childhood Studies. For LRS 433/F, our community partner is CHIME Charter, a national leader in the development and implementation of a unique model of inclusive education. Inclusive education at CHIME Institute means that children who reflect the demographics of the surrounding region — including children who develop typically, children with special needs, and children who are gifted — learn side by side. For LRS 425MC, our community partner is Guardian Angel Catholic School, an elementary school in a low-socioeconomic status neighborhood with large populations of recent immigrants from Mexico and Central America.
Students enrolled in LSLA receive a scholarship (half disbursed each semester of the program) to help them purchase books to use in the classroom. One of the most far-reaching benefits of LSLA is its impact on the future teachers served each year. Over their professional careers they will reach thousands of students. The research on teacher preparation indicates that one of the greatest weaknesses of teacher preparation programs is the almost complete lack of opportunities for future teacher candidates to learn how to work and interact with diverse families. The LSLA program through LRS 433/F, CHS 480/F, and LRS 425MC provides students with this rich learning opportunity.
Donations to the Literacy Scholars for the Future of Los Angeles will help provide scholarships to students to help with their expenses as they complete the program.
