LAUSD Supt. Cortines: District Is Committed To Fixing MISIS Program
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines announced Monday a detailed plan on how the district will work to fix any problems created by the troubled student record system.
In a letter sent to parents Monday morning, Cortines, who has been superintendent for a week after Dr. John Deasy resigned, said he will ensure all issues will be address.
"As superintendent, I take full responsibility for ensuring that our systems are functioning correctly in support of students," he said. "We are working to resolve problems that have been identified."
LAUSD implemented the My Integrated Student Information System (MISIS) at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year to comply with a lawsuit settlement to make information, such as student attendance, schedules and grades, readily available to parents.
The system has had a variety of problems, including scrambling students' schedules and affecting their transcripts.
High School seniors have stated concern over their ability, under the MISIS system, to get into college.
"They're supposedly taking care of it, but I'm not really sure right now," senior Henry Garcia said. "Most of us are concerned about credits, and at the beginning of the year, with all our classes getting mixed up and all that, yeah (we're concerned)."
The LAUSD said technology teams were working to fix any and all remaining issues and a support staff, which includes retired counselors, principals and assistant principals, will assist schools by reviewing transcripts and help with a master scheduling of classes.
The district will also communicate with colleges to make them aware of official transcripts that may be incorrect as well as establish a hotline in each Educational Service Center to record student concerns and follow up on any further issues.
"I appreciate your help and guidance as we move forward in the best interest of our students," Cortines said. "There are going to be mistakes, but we are committed to fixing them. Your children are the reason we are here and we owe it to them to provide absolutely everything they need to achieve their goals."
He added anyone with concerns about a student's ability to access information for college applications should contact their school's Educational Service Center.
Some, meanwhile, at the United Teachers of Los Angeles, believe the system will not prevent students from getting accepted into college.
"I do believe that councilors, and the district, have every intent to try to make sure that kids can get into college," Colleen Schwab said.
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