Thomas A. Edison Middle School Information

Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, Thomas A. Edison Middle School, located in South Central Los Angeles, became a 7th and 8th grade-only campus on a traditional calendar, with an 8-period block schedule. We have approximately 1100 students, 97% Latino and 3% African American. Edison is a Title One school with 100% student eligibility for free lunches. Approximately 30% of our students are English Language Learners (ELLs) and 11% are special education students.

Over the last five years, our standardized tests scores have steadily risen with English Language Arts proficiency increasing by 7.3% and mathematics by 3.8%. Edison’s ELL reclassification rate for 2008-2009 was 16.8%, an increase of 3.2% from the previous year. In 2009-2010, the reclassification rate was 19.37%. Student suspensions have decreased from 8.2% in 2007-2008 to 3.2% in 2008-2009 and continued to fall to 1.8% in 2009-2010. Due to our reduction in suspensions, the Community Asset Development Re-Defining Education (CADRE) recognized Edison’s School-Wide Positive Behavior Support as an exemplary model.

Our API has increased by 65 points in the last three years (542-604). Although we are improving, we have not met our AYP and are in our 5th plus year of Program Improvement. However, we have been given an alternative opportunity to exit PI status, called Safe Harbor, which we are working to achieve.

Statistics tell only part of the story. Edison has a history of receiving funding and carefully managing those funds to benefit our students. For example, in 2007 we received funds from the Quality Education Improvement Act (QEIA) to improve pupil achievement. We have met all of our QEIA goals, which include exceeding average API targets and retaining experienced teachers. Strategic planning, careful budgeting, and a determined focus on students have enabled Edison to stay in the program while many schools have been eliminated. 

We are a certified AVID school. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a structured, college preparatory program for first-generation college attendees. Our goal is to have the college-bound culture of AVID permeate our school. Currently, the Edison AVID team is working towards becoming a demonstration site. If achieved, Edison would become a model school using AVID methodologies and strategies.

In 2007, we were awarded a competitive LAUSD technology grant titled Integrating Mathematics and Science through Technology Project (IMaST). The grant provided wireless laptop computers, smart boards and tools, and internet-based resources to promote student achievement in science and mathematics. The school owns the technology, so we continue to be able to use it with our students.

In August 2010, Edison received a School Improvement Grant (SIG) to offer two weeks of in-service training. Teachers participated in professional development about differentiated instruction, curriculum mapping, technology use in the classroom and accessing student data. Teachers were also able to collaborate with colleagues for interdisciplinary team planning as well as to strategize within departments and grade-level teams.

This year we began collaborating with Los Angeles Education Partnership to bring community resources to students/parents of Edison Middle School.