Compton USD’s Journalism Program was launched as a way to address the increasing number of Long-Term English learners (LTELs) in the district. Following the curriculum developed by Loyola Marymount University specific to English learners in grades three through five, the program helps address the needs of the district’s ELs and prevents them from becoming LTELs. It provides a comprehensive and engaging curriculum aligned to the English Language Arts Common Core Standards and the English Language Development Standards. 

During a 12-week period, participating students at risk of becoming LTELs develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in an unconventional way. They interview, research, plan well-developed questions and explore journalistic writing. All students produce a newsletter at the end of the program, which makes them accountable for their learning. Through this process, ELs advance their language skills by learning the features of informational text as it pertains to writing in a real-world context. 

In December 2019, Compton USD was awarded the Golden Bell Award for its Journalism Program. 

awards.csba.org/golden-bell/2019-winners/