About 57 percent of families with children enrolled at Los Angeles Unified School District are reporting job losses and only half of families say they have the necessary equipment and knowledge needed for online classroom learning, according to survey results released this week.
More than 12,000 families participated in the May survey, and LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said the district will continue to address the issues raised in it and find ways to help.
“Job losses and the impact on families is a stark reminder of how real the struggle is in the communities we serve…’’ Beutner said. “Let that sink in. Most families were struggling to get by before this crisis, and more than half of their situations have gotten worse.’’
Highlights of the survey include:
—57 percent of families reported lost jobs during the pandemic;
—Only about half of the respondents have the necessary equipment and feel reasonably knowledgeable about online classroom technology;
—Roughly three-quarters of families said they feel schools are doing a good job of providing learning materials and instruction; and
—80 percent of respondents said they have been in contact with their child’s teacher.
In response to the survey results, district officials said they have hosted town hall meetings in 35 communities and each school principal has hosted school meetings.
Beutner also said LAUSD is looking to simplify its online classroom platforms, and district officials are working to establish internet classrooms to help students.
Students at home also are being provided with devices and internet access, if needed.
LAUSD Board Member George J. McKenna III said the district must be “hyper-vigilant’’ in its communication and connection tactics for delivering instructional content virtually.
Help for LAUSD families is available at (213) 443-1300. And, the district offers meals to families
