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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Los Angeles County Grand Jury • 2017-2018

4. Female Firefighters in Los Angeles County

30 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 7 findings

F1 Page 110
Nationally, women remain a very small percentage of the firefighter workforce. A nationwide study of women in firefighting resulted in the report A National Report Card on Women in Firefighting.6 This effort, supported by the Ford Foundation and the International Association of Women in the Fire and Emergency Services, reached several key conclusions, including: • The proportion of women working in occupations resembling firefighting in requiring strength, stamina, and dexterity, or involving outdoor, dirty or dangerous work is 17%. • Women now approach, equal, or even exceed 17% of uniformed police officers in a number of jurisdictions nationally. • Having female firefighters as 17% of fire departments’ firefighting workforce is a reasonable target. Female Firefighters in Los Angeles County Area Fire Departments’ Workforce As part of this investigation the CGJ identified the number of female firefighters at the three largest fire departments within Los Angeles County – LACFD, LAFD Department, and LBFD. The following sections show the number of total firefighters in the three largest fire departments in Los Angeles County, and the percentage that are female. Los Angeles County Fire Station (LACFD) 158 in Gardena 5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Household Data Survey. As reported by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA.org) 6 Hulett, Denise M., et al, A National Report Card on Women in Firefighting. April 2008 96 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Los Angeles County Fire Department Exhibit 1 shows, of the current 2,947 firefighter staff of the LACFD only 50, or 1.7% are female. This is substantially below the national average of 4.6%, and the potential target of 17%. However, there are female firefighters within the command ranks of the Department, including one Chief Deputy, three Battalion Chiefs, and eight Captains. Exhibit 1 Los Angeles County Fire Department Current Firefighter Staffing by Gender Position Male Female Number Percent Number Percent Totals Chief 1 100.0% - 0.0% 1 Chief Deputy 1 50.0% 1 50.0% 2 Deputy Chief 11 100.0% - 0.0% 11 Assistant Chief 15 100.0% - 0.0% 15 Battalion Chief 98 97.0% 3 3.0% 101 Captain 697 98.9% 8 1.1% 705 Firefighter Specialist 753 98.6% 11 1.4% 764 Firefighter 1,267 98.1% 25 1.9% 1,292 Firefighter Trainee 54 96.4% 2 3.6% 56 Total 2,897 98.3% 50 1.7% 2,947 Source: Los Angeles County Fire Department 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 97 City of Los Angeles Fire Department Exhibit 2 shows, of the current 3,308 firefighter staff of the LAFD, only 100, or 3% are female. While this percentage is higher than the percentage for the LA County Fire Department, it is still below the national average of 4.6%, and substantially below the potential target of 17%. However, there are female firefighters within the command ranks of the Department, including one Deputy Chief, five Battalion Chiefs, and twelve Captains. Exhibit 2 City of Los Angeles Fire Department Current Staffing by Gender Position Male Female No. % No. % Totals Chief 1 100.0% 0 0.0% 1 Deputy Chief 8 88.9% 1 11.1% 9 Assistant Chief 17 100.0% 0 0.0% 17 Battalion Chief 58 92.1% 5 7.9% 63 Captain 527 97.8% 12 2.2% 539 Engineer 429 98.4% 7 1.6% 436 Apparatus Operator 132 98.5% 2 1.5% 134 Inspector 116 89.9% 13 10.1% 129 Fire Helicopter Pilot 16 100.0% 0 0.0% 16 Fire Boat Pilot/Mate 21 100.0% 0 0.0% 21 Firefighter 1883 96.9% 60 3.1% 1,943 Total 3,208 97.0% 100 3.0% 3,308 Source: City of Los Angeles Fire Department 98 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Long Beach Fire Department Exhibit 3 shows, of the current 370 firefighter staff of the LBFD, only 14, or 3.8% are female. This is below the national average of 4.6%, and substantially below the potential target of 17%. There is one female firefighter with the rank of Captain in the command ranks of the Department. Exhibit 3 Long Beach Fire Department Current Staffing by Gender Position Male Female No. % No. % Totals Chief 1 100.0% 0 0.0% 1 Deputy Chief 3 100.0% 0 0.0% 3 Assistant Chief 3 100.0% 0 0.0% 3 Battalion Chief 13 100.0% 0 0.0% 13 Captain 82 98.8% 1 1.2% 83 Engineer 80 100.0% 0 0.0% 80 Fire Boat Pilot 5 100.0% 0 0.0% 5 Firefighter 169 92.9% 13 7.1% 182 Total 356 96.2% 14 3.8% 370 Source: Long Beach Fire Department Recruiting and Testing Female Firefighter Candidates As part of this investigation, the CGJ identified the number of total applicants for firefighter recruit positions as well as the number and percent of female applicants for the three largest fire departments within Los Angeles County – the LACFD, the LAFD, and the LBFD.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 113
The percentage of female firefighters in the workforce of each of Los Angeles County’s three largest fire departments is below national averages and substantially below suggested target levels. The following sections show the number of firefighter applications received and test results for each of the three fire departments, and the percentage that are female and male. Los Angeles County Fire Department Exhibit 4 shows, less than four percent (3.79%) of the applications received for firefighter candidate positions with the LACFD were female and only 3.32% of the candidates taking the written exam were female. Female candidates did do somewhat better on the written exam with 69.4% of female candidates passing the written exam. This compares to 64.9% for male firefighter candidates. After the application review and written test only 102 female candidates, or 3.54% of all firefighter candidates, were available to select for the fire academy. 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 99 Exhibit 4 Los Angeles County Fire Department Fire Fighter Candidate Applications and Test Results Applications Received Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total 6,352 96.21% 250 3.79% 6,602 100.00% Candidates Taking Written Test Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total 4,283 96.68% 147 3.32% 4,430 100.00% Written Test Results Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Passed 2,778 64.90% 102 69.40% 2,880 100.00% Failed 1,505 35.10% 45 30.60% 1,550 100.00% Male Female Percent of Passing Candidates 96.46% 3.54% Source: Los Angeles County Fire Department Demographic Breakdown of Fire Fighter Trainee Candidates, 2015 Note: Excludes firefighter applicants and candidates with unidentified gender. City of Los Angeles Fire Department The LAFD requires individuals interested in becoming firefighters to complete an application and meet minimum requirements. These requirements include being at least 18 years of age at the time of the application and graduation from a U.S. high school or equivalent. Qualification also includes providing proof of a current passing score on the Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT). Applicants are required to possess a valid California Drivers’ License and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate prior to appointment. Applicants must also achieve a passing score on the Firefighter Candidate Assessment in order to be considered in the next phase of the selection process. Information on the number of firefighter candidate applications received, as well as the number and percent that were female and male, was not available from the LAFD. Exhibit 5 shows only 8.13% of the firefighter candidates taking the firefighter candidate assessment were female. Female firefighter candidates, on the firefighter candidate assessment, had 76.76% of candidates passing the assessment. This compares to 82.55% for male firefighter candidates. After the firefighter candidate assessment only 370 female candidates, or 7.6% of all firefighter candidates, were available to be selected for the fire academy 100 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Long Beach Fire Department To become a Long Beach firefighter involves participating in an open-competitive selection process. In general, candidates are required to submit an application and engage in a testing process through the Long Beach Civil Service Department, followed by an in-depth selection process through the LBFD. The LBFD requires the successful completion of a physical ability test as part of the application and only accepts the Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT). Applicants who successfully pass the Civil Service testing process are placed in bands, which are groups of qualified applicants, and may then be contacted by the Fire Department for further consideration. Typically, the Fire Recruit open-competitive selection process opens every two to three years. Exhibit 6 shows, only about 5% percent of the applications received for firefighter candidate positions with the LBPD were female. A slightly higher percentage, (5.07%) of the candidates taking the written test, were female. Exhibit 5 City of Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Fighter Candidate Applications and Assessment Results Applications Received Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total NA NA NA NA 0 0 Candidates Taking Firefighter Candidate Assessment Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total 5,450 91.87% 482 8.13% 5,932 100.00% Firefighter Candidate Assessment Results Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Passed 4,499 82.55% 370 76.76% 4,869 82.08% Failed 951 17.45% 112 23.24% 1,063 17.92% Male Female Percent of Passing Candidates 92.40% 7.60% Sources: City of Los Angeles Fire Department Recruitment Annual Report and Firefighter Candidate Assessment Passing Rates 2016 Note: Excludes firefighter applicants and candidates with unidentified gender. 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 101 Female firefighter candidates did do somewhat worse on the firefighter written test, with 43.65% of female candidates passing the test. This compares to 56.83% for male firefighter candidates. After the firefighter written test only 213 female candidates, or 3.94% of all firefighter candidates taking the written test, were available for selection to attend the fire drill school. (LBFD), Station 1. Station 1 is in the Civic Center. 102 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Exhibit 6 Long Beach Fire Department Fire Fighter Candidate Applications and Test Results Applications Received Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total 9,578 95.01% 503 4.99% 10,081 100.00% Candidates Taking Written Test Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Total 9,134 94.93% 488 5.07% 9,622 100.00% Written Test Results Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Passed 5,191 56.83% 213 43.65% 5,404 56.16% Failed 3,943 43.17% 275 56.35% 4,218 43.84% Male Female Percent of Passing Candidates 96.06% 3.94% Source: Long Beach Fire Department Fire Recruit Application and Written Test Results – 2013 to 2018 Note: Excludes firefighter applicants and candidates with unidentified gender.
No recommendations for this finding
F3 Page 117
The percentage of firefighter applicants and individuals taking firefighter exams and assessments that are female is very low. Female firefighter candidates taking written exams or assessments pass them at rates comparable or better than male firefighter applicants. Training Female Firefighter Recruits Candidates selected to become firefighter recruits must complete a substantial training program before becoming full firefighters. This includes successful completion of both a fire academy (or drill school) and the recruit probationary period. The fire academy is about five months of full time training. This training covers academic and manipulative tasks. Basic instruction teaches fire recruits the skills of use of personal protective equipment, handling ladders, hose lays, tools, equipment and emergency medical skills. The advanced training mirrors field activities in scope and intensity to challenge recruits using simulated fire ground conditions. The advanced training also requires a significant demonstration of the strength and stamina necessary to perform at a basic firefighter level in the field. After completion of the fire academy or drill school a fire recruit must continue to demonstrate the skills necessary to be a firefighter during the probationary period. The probationary period is for one full year, or 365 days. 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 103 Los Angeles County Fire Department Exhibit 7 shows, only 17 or 2.3% of the firefighter recruits entering the LACFD Fire Academy were female. Of these, only 15, or 2.2%, of the Fire Academy graduates were female. The Fire Academy graduation rate for females was 88.2%, slightly lower than the graduation rate of 92.2% for males. Information on completion of the probationary period was not available from the LACFD. Exhibit 7 Los Angeles County Fire Department Fire Academy Entrees and Graduates Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Entered Academy 715 97.7% 17 2.3% 732 Graduated Academy 659 97.8% 15 2.2% 674 Percent Graduated 92.2% 88.2% Source: Los Angeles County Fire Department, Fire Fighter Trainee Breakdown by Gender, 2012 to Present City of Los Angeles Fire Department Exhibit 8 shows, only 21 or 6.52% of the firefighter recruits entering the LAFD Fire Academy were female. Of these, only 12 or 4.58%, of the Fire Academy graduates were female. The Fire Academy graduation rate for females was 57.14%, substantially lower than the graduation rate of 83.06% for males. Exhibit 8 also shows the information on completion of the probationary period by both female and male fire recruits. As this exhibit shows, all 12 or 100%, of the female recruits that completed the fire academy also successfully completed the probationary period. This is slightly higher than the percentage of male recruits successfully completing the probationary period at 98.4%. 104 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Exhibit 8 City of Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Academy Entrees and Graduates Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Entered Academy 301 93.48% 21 6.52% 322 Graduated Academy 250 95.42% 12 4.58% 262 Percent Graduated 83.06% 57.14% Fire Recruit Probationary Period Results Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Began Probation 250 95.42% 12 4.58% 262 Completed Probation 246 95.35% 12 4.65% 258 Percent Completing Probation 98.4% 100.0% Source: City of Los Angeles Fire Department, Recruit Training Academy Overview, August 2017, Includes six Academies between 2014 and 2017. Long Beach Fire Department Exhibit 9 shows, only 22 or 8.8% of the firefighter recruits entering the LBFD Drill School were female. Of these, only 10 or 5.24%, of the Fire Drill School graduates were female. The Fire Drill School graduation rate for females was 45.45%, substantially lower than the graduation rate of 79.39% for males. Exhibit 9 also shows the information on completion of the probationary period by both female and male fire recruits. As this exhibit shows, six or 3.87% of the firefighter recruits beginning probation were female. Of these, only four females successfully completed the probationary period. As a result, only 3.1% of firefighter recruits that completed the fire drill school and also successfully completed the probationary period were female. Approximately two-thirds (66.7%) of female firefighter recruits successfully completed the probationary period. This is much lower than the percentage of male firefighter recruits successfully completing the probationary period at 83.9%. 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 105 Exhibit 9 Long Beach Fire Department Fire Drill School Entrees and Graduates Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Entered Academy 228 91.20% 22 8.80% 250 Graduated Academy 181 94.76% 10 5.24% 191 Percent Graduated 79.39% 45.45% Fire Recruit Probationary Period Results Male Female Total Number Percent Number Percent Began Probation 149 96.13% 6 3.87% 155 Completed Probation 125 96.90% 4 3.10% 129 Percent Completing Probation 83.9% 66.7% Source: Long Beach Fire Department, Drill School Evaluation, Includes nine Academies between 2004 and 2017.
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 120
The percentage of female firefighters entering and completing the fire academies or drill schools at each of Los Angeles County’s three largest fire departments is very low. The percentage completing the probationary period is also very low. Accommodations for Female Firefighters Firefighters generally work long shifts (e.g. 24 hours) that require them to essentially live and sleep in the fire station during their shift. Most fire stations in use today were originally planned and built with a single-sex workforce in mind. Many of these buildings are now being used by a workforce that includes both women and men. Not surprisingly, the design of older stations can result in inadequacies that are a source of inconvenience, discomfort, embarrassment, and friction for all concerned.7 One reason there are so few female applicants for firefighter positions may be both the perception and reality that they will be required to live, sleep, and shower in fire stations that do not provide adequate accommodations for female firefighters. California State law requires employers to provide adequate bathroom facilities8 and separate shower rooms be provided for each sex where showering is required by the employer.9 In addition, most fire departments are working to ensure that firefighters have gender specific or individual toilet facilities, showers, clothes changing areas, personal storage lockers, and sleeping accommodations.10 7 Many Women Strong: A Handbook for Women Firefighters, Prepared by: Women in the Fire Service 8 California Code, Labor Code - LAB § 2350 9 California Administrative Code, Title 8 Section 3366(f} 10 Position Statement – Facilities, International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services, 2012
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 91
Foster Youth have a significant achievement gap when compared with other targeted student groups and the general student population. To evaluate the foster youth student achievement, we compared the chronic absenteeism rate, suspension rate, percentage prepared for college and career and graduation rate with the general student population and other targeted student groups. These comparisons are discussed in the following sections. Chronic Absenteeism Rate A "chronic absentee" has been defined in California Education Code (EC) Section 60901(c)(1) as "a pupil who is absent on 10 percent or more of the school days in the school year when the total number of days a pupil is absent is divided by the total number of days the pupil is enrolled and school was actually taught in the regular day schools of the district, exclusive of Saturdays and Sundays." The California Department of Education has focused on reducing the state’s chronic absenteeism rates, especially the rates for racial/ethnic groups and program populations (such as foster youth) which are significantly above the state average. The State Attendance Review Board (SARB), recommends how to identify and respond to patterns of chronic absenteeism or truancy. In its Model School Attendance Review Board Recognition Program, the SARB recognizes districts which implement a three-tiered approach to reducing chronic absenteeism rates for student populations which are above the district average: • First tier: Focus on preventing attendance problems by promoting a positive school climate. • Second tier: Ensure early interventions for minor attendance problems. • Third tier: Address intensive barriers to school attendance, such as mental health conditions. Data on chronic absenteeism is newly available, with this information being released by the California Department of Education in December 2017. According to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction “This data helps us determine which schools, districts, and student groups have the largest concentration of chronic absences, allowing educators and community members to focus attention and resources and take actions needed to keep those students in class and back on the path to academic success.” As shown in Exhibit 3, the chronic absenteeism rate for foster youth is much higher than for the general student population, or for other targeted student populations in each of the ten school districts reviewed. The average percentage of foster students that are chronically absent is twenty-six percent (26%) for the ten school districts. This compares to 11.9% for the general student population, 11.9% for English Learner students, and 12.9% for socio-economically disadvantaged students. The chronically absent rate for foster youth is more than twice that for the other groups. 78 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Exhibit 3 Comparison of Chronic Absenteeism Rates by School District and Student Populations School District All Students English Learners Socio-Economic Disadvantaged Foster Youth Total Chronic Absent Total Chronic Absent Total Chronic Absent Total Chronic Absent No. % No. % No. % No. % Antelope Valley 26,965 6,146 22.8% 3,076 786 25.6% 20,514 5,070 24.7% 918 364 39.7% Compton 25,408 4,493 17.7% 8,989 1,342 14.9% 22,442 3,981 17.7% 693 190 27.4% Downey 23,234 2,496 10.7% 3,729 437 11.7% 17,225 2,070 12.0% 271 50 18.5% Hacienda La Puente 19,800 1,572 7.9% 4,129 264 6.4% 14,832 1,322 8.9% 361 65 18.0% Inglewood 13,453 1,609 12.0% 3,821 401 10.5% 11,433 1,416 12.4% 230 43 18.7% Long Beach 80,163 8,951 11.2% 17,701 1,945 11.0% 56,713 7,396 13.0% 1,101 253 23.0% Los Angeles 661,653 77,312 11.7% 169,544 20,244 11.9% 533,307 67,087 12.6% 9,241 2,363 25.6% Paramount 16,254 1,357 8.3% 5,637 409 7.3% 15,625 1,326 8.5% 242 54 22.3% Pasadena 19,638 2,236 11.4% 3,666 508 13.9% 12,895 1,806 14.0% 583 204 35.0% Pomona 26,209 2,630 10.0% 8,132 741 9.1% 22,836 2,352 10.3% 545 97 17.8% Totals and Averages 912,777 108,802 11.9% 228,424 27,077 11.9% 727,822 93,826 12.9% 14,185 3,683 26.0% Source: 2016-17 Chronic Absenteeism Rate Report, California Department of Education Attendance Works (attendanceworks.org), a foundation with a mission to “advance student success and reduce equity gaps by reducing chronic absence” has developed a series of policies, tools, resources, and strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism that could be implemented by school districts to address the chronic absenteeism rates of foster youth students. Student Suspension Rates In schools, suspension is a mandatory leave assigned to a student as a form of punishment that can last anywhere from one day to several weeks, during which time the student is not allowed to attend regular school lessons. As with other forms of absence, students cannot be taught or learn when they are not at school, whether voluntarily or due to suspension. As shown in Exhibit 4, the suspension rate for foster youth is much higher than for the general student population, or for other targeted student populations in each of the ten school districts reviewed. The average percentage of foster students that were suspended is 6.5% for the ten school districts. This compares to 1.9% for the general student population, 1.2% for English Learner students, and 1.9% for socio-economically disadvantaged students. The suspension rate for foster youth is more than three times that for the other groups. 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 79 Exhibit 4 Comparison of Suspension Rates by School District and Student Populations School District All Students English Learners Socio-Economic Disadvantaged Foster Youth Total Suspended Total Suspended Total Suspended Total Suspended No. % No. % No. % No. % Antelope Valley 21,977 2,077 9.5% 2,379 228 9.6% 16,252 1,772 10.9% 693 175 25.3% Compton 23,547 996 4.2% 8,361 207 2.5% 20,486 889 4.3% 644 48 7.5% Downey 22,932 680 3.0% 3,660 105 2.9% 16,934 548 3.2% 254 21 8.3% Hacienda La Puente 19,706 625 3.2% 4,110 79 1.9% 14,710 552 3.8% 353 47 13.3% Inglewood 9,786 614 6.3% 3,268 121 3.7% 8,477 534 6.3% 184 17 9.2% Long Beach 79,268 2,724 3.4% 17,488 520 3.0% 55,805 2,276 4.1% 1,056 109 10.3% Los Angeles 494,709 2,585 0.5% 137,943 544 0.4% 414,232 2,328 0.6% 7,332 172 2.3% Paramount 15,934 548 3.4% 5,527 141 2.6% 15,325 526 3.4% 224 18 8.0% Pasadena 17,816 844 4.7% 3,493 156 4.5% 11,952 723 6.0% 455 92 20.2% Pomona 25,134 949 3.8% 7,818 261 3.3% 21,859 894 4.1% 481 58 12.1% Totals and Averages 730,809 12,642 1.7% 194,047 2,362 1.2% 596,032 11,042 1.9% 11,676 757 6.5% Source: Suspension Rate Indicator, California Department of Education Students Prepared for College or Career The College/Career Indicator (CCI) is based on the four-year graduation cohort and uses both college and career measures to evaluate how well districts and schools are preparing students for success after high school. Student preparedness can be evaluated using several measures or indicators of preparedness, including career technical education indicators, academic performance indicators, and exam scores. As shown in Exhibit 5, the percentage of foster youth prepared for college or career is much lower than for the general student population, or for other targeted student populations in each of the ten school districts reviewed. The average percentage of foster youth students that were determined to be prepared for college or career was 17.2% for the ten school districts. This compares to 38.6% for the general student population, 16% for English Learner students, and 36.4% for socio-economically disadvantaged students. The percentage of foster youth prepared for college or career is less than half that for the other groups. 80 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Exhibit 5 Comparison of College and Career Preparedness by School District and Student Populations School District All Students English Learners Socio-Economic Disadvantaged Foster Youth Total Prepared Total Prepared Total Prepared Total Prepared No. % No. % No. % No. % Antelope Valley 4,399 1,366 31.1% 546 44 8.1% 3,480 967 27.8% 111 11 9.9% Compton 1,060 231 21.8% 476 68 14.3% 1,028 227 22.1% 21 1 4.8% Downey 1,818 747 41.1% 244 24 9.8% 1,444 326 22.6% 16 1 6.3% Hacienda La Puente 1,544 717 46.4% 372 105 28.2% 1,257 426 33.9% 29 5 17.2% Inglewood 657 50 7.6% 188 8 4.3% 611 87 14.2% 10 * Long Beach 5,487 2,285 41.6% 1,090 179 16.4% 4,011 1,394 34.8% 53 7 13.2% Los Angeles 28,404 11,511 40.5% 6,005 999 16.6% 26,323 10,616 40.3% 399 82 20.6% Paramount 1,124 436 38.8% 294 52 17.7% 1,110 433 39.0% 21 7 33.3% Pasadena 1,141 407 35.7% 203 21 10.3% 927 283 30.5% 23 4 17.4% Pomona 1,580 484 30.6% 573 98 17.1% 1,375 387 28.1% 21 3 14.3% Totals and Averages 47,214 18,234 38.6% 9,991 1,598 16.0% 41,566 15,146 36.4% 704 121 17.2% Source: College and Career Preparedness Indicator, California Department of Education Graduation Rates A student graduates from high school when they successfully meet their school district’s graduation requirements. The state sets minimum requirements. Local school districts have the authority and responsibility for establishing any requirements for awarding a California high school diploma from their secondary schools. These must include the set of 13 minimum courses/130 credits required under California Education Code. Most school districts in California require between 22 and 26 one-year courses (or the equivalent) for graduation. A graduation cohort is a group of high school students who could potentially graduate with a regular high school diploma within four years of entering grade nine. Exhibit 6 shows the number in the cohort of students who started high school in 2012–13 for each of the ten school districts reviewed. It also shows the number and percentage of cohort students who graduated by both total students and each targeted student population. As shown in Exhibit 6, the percentage of foster youth graduating is much lower than for the general student population, or for other targeted student populations in each of the ten school districts reviewed. The average percentage of foster students that graduated was 64.5% for the ten school districts. This compares to 86.6% for the general student population, 71.7% for English Learner students, and 86.6% for socio-economically disadvantaged students. The percentage of foster youth is substantially below the graduation rate for the other groups. 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 81 Exhibit 6 Comparison of Graduation Rates by School District and Student Populations School District All Students English Learners Socio-Economic Disadvantaged Foster Youth Total Graduated Total Graduated Total Graduated Total Graduated No. % No. % No. % No. % Antelope Valley 4,472 3,944 88.2% 564 425 75.4% 3,543 3,064 86.5% 113 83 73.5% Compton 1,071 922 86.1% 484 402 83.1% 1,039 899 86.5% 21 14 66.7% Downey 1,843 1,785 96.9% 258 233 90.3% 1,464 1,416 96.7% 17 15 88.2% Hacienda La Puente 1,556 1,476 94.9% 377 341 90.5% 1,268 1,197 94.4% 30 24 80.0% Inglewood 666 570 85.6% 192 149 77.6% 619 539 87.1% 10 NA NA Long Beach 5,547 4,987 89.9% 1,116 910 81.5% 4,060 3,600 88.7% 56 37 66.1% Los Angeles 28,782 24,244 84.2% 6,216 4,008 64.5% 26,647 22,675 85.1% 413 251 60.8% Paramount 1,134 1,040 91.7% 298 260 87.2% 1,119 1,031 92.1% 21 18 85.7% Pasadena 1,149 997 86.8% 204 152 74.5% 933 799 85.6% 24 10 41.7% Pomona 1,601 1,432 89.4% 585 503 86.0% 1,394 1,242 89.1% 21 16 76.2% Totals and Averages 47,821 41,397 86.6% 10,294 7,383 71.7% 42,086 36,462 86.6% 726 468 64.5% Source: Graduation Rate Indicator, California Department of Education G. Foster Youth Graduation Rate Trends The rate at which students graduate from high school is the most meaningful and common measure of school success for school districts. Programs and strategies are developed and implemented to improve the success of students in completing the requirements and graduating from high school.
No recommendations for this finding
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The reported graduation rate for foster youth students at some school districts shows some short-term positive trends. As Exhibit 7 shows, some of the ten school districts have reported increased graduation rates for the 2015-16 school year compared to the 2014-15 school year. For example, Antelope Valley shows an increase of just over sixteen percent (16%), Compton an increase of just over fourteen percent (14%), Paramount an increase of about seventeen percent (17%), and Pomona an increase of just over fourteen percent (14%). While these reported gains appear very positive, the timeline for this trend is only two years, and the data underlying these reported gains is questionable, as discussed in the next section of this report. 82 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Exhibit 7 Short-Term Trends in Foster Youth Graduation Rates by School District Source: Fall 2017 Graduation Indicator reports obtained from California Department of Education. 55.9% 52.2% 0 80.0% 0 61.9% 55.8% 68.8% 41.7% 61.9% 73.5% 66.7% 88.2% 80.0% 0 66.1% 60.8% 85.7% 41.7% 76.2% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0% 70.0% 80.0% 90.0% 100.0% 2014-15 2015-16 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 83 Exhibit 8 shows the reported graduation rate for each of the ten school districts reviewed. No data was available for the 2013-14 or 2016-17 school year. Exhibit 8 Foster Youth Graduation Rates FY 2013-14 thru FY 2017-18 School Year Students Graduates Graduation Rate Antelope Valley Union High School District 2014-15 102 57 55.9% 2015-16 113 83 73.5% Compton Unified School District 2014-15 23 12 52.2% 2015-16 21 14 66.7% Downey Unified School District 2014-15 10 * * 2015-16 17 15 88.2% Hacienda La Puente Unified School District 2014-15 20 16 80.0% 2015-16 30 24 80.0% Inglewood Unified School District 2014-15 9 * * 2015-16 10 * * Long Beach Unified School District 2014-15 63 39 61.9% 2015-16 56 37 66.1% Los Angeles Unified School District 2014-15 301 168 55.8% 2015-16 413 251 60.8% Paramount Unified School District 2014-15 16 11 68.8% 2015-16 21 18 85.7% Pasadena Unified School District 2014-15 24 10 41.7% 2015-16 24 10 41.7% Pomona Unified School District 2014-15 21 13 61.9% 2015-16 21 16 76.2% Source: Fall 2017 Graduation Indicator reports obtained from California Department of Education. 84 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT F. Foster Youth Data Quality and Reliability Valid and reliable data is essential in order to evaluate the relative needs of foster youth, and to effectively assess whether programs and strategies implemented to meet those needs are having an impact.
No recommendations for this finding
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The quality and reliability of data and information reported by school districts to track and monitor foster youth enrollments, as well as success in meeting the needs of foster youth is inconsistent and of questionable quality. There are at least five local and state databases of foster student education data. The reliability of the data in any one of the databases is questionable, based on the following limitations:3 • The California Department of Education Student and School Data files report the largest number of foster students in each school district, which suggests an aggregate student reporting methodology throughout the school year. • California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CalPADS) captures a moment-in time census. For 2017, the snapshot was taken on October 4, 2017. While CalPADS encourages additional data submissions throughout the school year, it isn’t mandatory. As of mid-December, only fifty percent (50%) of school districts had updated their CalPADS information. • The California School Dashboard, intended to report school district performance and success measures, is based upon the latest state data available. The Dashboard will be updated each fall with the most recent available data, including enrollment numbers and demographic information. • The DCFS Student Information Tracking System (SITS), developed in 2011, started first with LAUSD and then progressively added more school districts. SITS was LA County’s first automated foster student academic data sharing system. To date, SITS includes data on only fifty percent (50%) of LA County’s school districts. • LACOE’s Education Passport System (EPS) is Los Angeles County’s second generation academic data sharing system between LACOE, DCFS and 76 of our 80 school districts. LACOE developed EPS in collaboration with DCFS. While SITS is in the process of transitioning to EPS, right now, both systems are limited to data on children and youth under open court cases4 only. Overview provided by the Bureau of Clinical Services and Resources, LA Department of Children and Family Services 4 “Open court case” means a court has taken jurisdiction over a child and declared the child to be a dependent or ward of the court (California Education Code Section 42238.01(b)) 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT 85 Exhibit 9 shows the number of foster youth enrolled in each school district as reported by the various data sources listed above. As this exhibit shows, there is substantial variance in the number of reported foster youth students enrolled. Exhibit 9 Foster Youth Reported Total Enrollment by Data Source School District California Department of Education CalPads California School Dashboard DCFS Student Information Tracking System LACOE Education Passport System Antelope Valley 1107 366 430 330 420 Compton 827 332 358 610 471 Downey 336 125 156 NA NA Hacienda La Puente 425 174 207 428 216 Inglewood 284 90 91 168 135 Long Beach 1498 387 534 611 457 Los Angeles 11,586 3,346 4,303 5,641 12,214 Paramount 291 126 124 NA NA Pasadena 686 274 274 612 637 Pomona 676 234 262 180 413 Source: Bureau of Clinical Services and Resources, LA Department of Children and Family Services The number of foster youth enrolled in a school district is the key basic data element required in order to develop and focus educational efforts targeted at the needs of foster youth. It is also the basic data element required to effectively monitor and report on progress in improving services and outcomes for foster youth. Los Angeles County is moving towards coordinating educational services, sharing information, responding to the needs of the juvenile court system and automating the transfer of education records, at no cost to participating school districts, through LACOE’s Educational Passport System. A Memorandum of Understanding with 81 entities has been signed (76 school districts and 5 charter schools). Over 1,000 users from 59 school districts are sharing data. This initiative should provide a common and consistent data repository for all school district information on foster youth. It will also provide a consistent base for monitoring, tracking, and reporting on foster youth and performance in meeting their specific needs. Overview provided by the Bureau of Clinical Services and Resources, LA Department of Children and Family Services 86 2017-2018 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT
No recommendations for this finding

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