Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/882783
Focus on the whole child As the name implies, the Social Justice Humanitas Academy, a public high school currently with 526 students, takes a differ- ent approach in how staff and students treat one another. " S om e p e opl e h av e a h ard tim e w rappin g th eir h ea d s around it, but at our school social justice i sn't a class or a program — it's a value related to ever ything we do and a w ay of s e e i n g thi n g s ," e xp l ai n s Jo s e Lui s Nav a r ro , th e school's founding teacher and principal. Social justice provides everyone access to the same opportu- nities. ere's full inclusion of students with disabilities in every class, and no "tracking," so honors students and regular students sit together, with equal access to curriculum and content. e assumption is that all students are going to college. Students are treated like young adults. at means they are not just told how to behave, but why. For example, students were informed that toilets had expensive cartridges, and that if they broke them, money used to replace them could not be spent on things students need and want. After this explanation, vandal- ism ceased, says lead teacher Jeff Austin, one of many United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) members on site. Staff use the book series e 5 Love Languages by Gary Chap- man, which addresses how educators can help build strong bonds with students to foster success. "Staff may 'adopt' students who are on academic probation and work closely with these students to ensure they don't fall through the cracks and they get the support and services they need," says math teacher Kathleen Francisco-Flores. "I enjoy the culture and relationships we establish." A peer-mentoring program offers struggling students extra support not only academically but also socially. Students who miss tests or assignments get second chances. ere is a daily student advisory period — and office hours for staff — who often assist with filling out college and financial aid forms. "Our school is founded on high expectations, and we are Clockwise from above: Diane Wilson works with Giovanni Maldonado; Principal Jose Luis Navarro; English/philosophy teacher Jael Reboh; mural in the hallway; counselor Ozzie Lastre; math teacher Kathleen Francisco-Flores. 34 cta.org Feature H U M A N I T A S A C A D E M Y