Learning Forums
Learning Forums
Watts Learning Center K-8
A Learning Forum Series: Agents of Social change
Learner-Driven Inquiry, Investigation, Research
Learning Forums bring together our children and families, teachers and staff, and community across both schools to engage in dialogue with our children about their learning.
This process will be a Celebration of Substantive Learning across our schools. The celebration will result in the following:
- Identification of grade level representative examples of substantive student learning for celebration, study, dialogue and display in our schools
- Articulation of a shared definition and description of internal standards of excellence in learning as a K-8 Institution.
- Definition of a collaborative review process to examine and identify representations of student learning that meet internally defined criteria for public presentation and dialogue across K-8 schools, families and community
A Learning Forum Series: Social Change Agents
What questions are the children asking about our community as the basis for learning?
Children and learning are at the center of social change and progress in the community. At the Watts Learning Center (WLC), we are committed to improving the conditions in the community through the quality and substance of learning that takes place every day in our schools. Our schools showcase student research teams across grades levels, culminating at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) before a Community Panel.
Our children are engaged in inquiry, investigation and research to define and solve real problems that impact the
local community and world. WLC created A Learning Forum Series: Agents of Social Change to provide our children with the experience of conducting authentic research and presenting their learning to families and the community.
At the WLC, every child is known, valued and respected as an independent thinking person. The learning process at the WLC fosters particular habits of mind and responsibilities among the children for civic engagement, collaboration, and leadership. Learning in our schools develops agency among children to define and solve real problems as citizens committed to the advancement of society.
WLC graduates are self-confident, ethical and motivated to be lifelong learners.
Presentation Criteria
8. Oshea Luja, Co-Founder
Amanda Foundation
1. Teri Austin, President
CSU, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), School of Education
2. Dr. John Davis, Dean
3. Dr. Jennifer Stacy, Assistant Professor
Conflict Resolution Support Team (CRST)
4. Eddie Goodman, Founder
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health
5. Dr. Karen Ehnert, Director
6. Christina Johnson, Health Educator
Los Angeles Housing Authority
7. Jennifer Thomas, Community Development Manager
Los Angeles Unified School District (Local District South)
8. Theresa Arreguin, Parent Community Engagement
National Action Network (NAN)
9. Rev. K.W. Tullos, Western Regional Director
Still Waters Vibrations Enrichment Network
10. Oshea Luja, Co-Founder
Soledad Enrichment Action Charter School (SEA)
11. LaKeya Johnson, Regional Manager
12. Dr. Perry Crouch Watts Learning Center K-8
13. Reverend James Jones Jr., Gangsters for Christ
14. Tracy Wiggins Financial Professional Associate
15. Adrian Duncan, Financial Professional Associate
Middle School Presentations: Climate Change.
Grade 6
Guiding Question: Can humans make an impact or change the current rise of global warming and climate change?
Research Team: Dulce Hernandez, Emely Estrada, Paula Jimenez, Green House Project.
Research Team: Kamari Webster, Henry Rico, Mason Williams, Recycle for Life.
Grade 7
Guiding Question: How does climate change affect our local community?
Research Team: Raul Vallolobos, Victoria Rojo, Denise De La Torre, Jonathan Rodarte
Guiding Question: How does climate change affect people?
Research Team: Monica Sanchez, Honey Cruz, Guadelupe Sanchez, Emily Tejas
Guiding Question: What types of new communities are appearing because of climate change?
Research Team: Kelly Pinto, Jacquelin Sagaran, Alexander Posada, Brooklyn Franklin, Diana Flores, Jailyn Baker
Guiding Question: How does the public know and understand regarding climate change?
Research Team: Estrella Marquez, Luisa Obregon, Tiffany Malgar, Marisol Gutierrez, Florentino Moreno
Grade 8
Guiding Question: Is recycling a good solution to climate change?
Research Team: Salina Langer and Kimberly Lopez
Guiding Question: How are earthquakes related to climate change?
Research Team: Jonathan Macias and Yahir Hernandez
Guiding Question: How can we convince people to believe that climate change is real?
Research Team: Emily Rosales, Essence Dukes, Amber Navarro
Grade 3
Research Focus: Water Conservation.
Research Team: Joseph Barahona, Tristian Pamilton, Stella Sevilla, Sarah McBride, J’Sean Fanning, Jhonald Lopez, Syrahji Baker-Ross, Sympheny Heard, Jazmine Weber, Seniyah Engleton, Zoey Riley, Chloe Ford, Justin Coleman.
Grade 4
Research Focus: Earthquake Preparedness.
Research Team: Hazel Gomez, Izac Hernandez, Zaniyah Prince, Wily Barrios-Reed, Ian Brown, Madison Curry, Jamar Moseley, Wyatt Orr, Jayden Thomas, Kenady Montreuil, Enrique Marin, Kendra Duronte, Kristian Martin, Francine Chavez.
Grade 5
Research Focus: The Wetlands.
Research Team: Jayden Jiles, Gabriel Gonzalez, Ashley Serrano, Jordin Williams, Jayla Jones, Karla Martinez, Leyla Chavez, Caroline Batres, Eddie Durate, Cameron Jacquette, Sahara Aviles, Abigail Barragan.
Title of Investigation: How can we help solve the problem of trash being dumped in the neighborhood and around our school, especially on Grand Avenue?
Research Team: Salvador Nunez, Promise Newton, Osbaldo Villenueava, Nyiema Collier, Kyler Panton, Jayden Jiles
Teacher Facilitators: Mrs. Collins Ms. Sima, & Ms. Smith
Grade 4
Title of Investigation: How can we reduce waste in the community in order to minimize or eliminate curbside garbage on the streets?
Research Team: Jair Coria, Evelynn Cornejo, Mikalah Douglas, Aileen Escalante
Teacher Facilitators: Ms. Francis & Mr. O’Daniel
Grade 5
Title of Investigation: How do we involve the whole community in neighborhood clean-up using an outreach plan?
Research Team: Malaysia Lampley, Edmund Matthews Harold Munoz, Kylah Warren, Judea Watkins, Aniyah Wilridge
Teacher Facilitators: Mrs. Clark & Mrs. Von der Lancken
Grade 6
Title of Investigation: Why Do People Bully Other People?
Argument: Bullying does not just happen in person. Even when it isn't physical it still involves using power to intimidate or harm another person. Bullying can even be not letting someone participate with the group to make them feel bad.
Research Team: Alliyah Sanchez, Yahir Escudero, Jim Antonio Ray & Melanie Caceres
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Murray
Grade 6
Guiding Question: How can we reduce the number of stray dogs in our community?
Title of Investigation: Abandoned dogs in our community
Central Argument: Dogs and cats should be spayed and neutered because it is healthier for them and makes them less aggressive and less stray animals on the streets will need to find homes.
Research Team: Angel Visencio, Sezar Navejar, Damien Farias, Uriel Nieto, Noelly Acevedo, Jason Salamanca, Sadie Robinson
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Daniels
Grade 6
Guiding Question: Why are our fellow students harming themselves and why isn’t anyone doing anything about it?
Title of Investigation: They hurt me...so I hurt myself
Central Argument: Schools are not aware or supporting students that are harming themselves even though the majority of the situations that are caused on campus.
Research Team: Salina Langer, Bianca Cobbs, Makayle Nichols
Teacher Facilitator: Mr. Davis
Grade 7
Guiding Question: How can we change the culture of our school as it relates to bullying?
Title of Investigation: Empowering bullies through therapy
Central Argument: Therapy can be used to address some of the underlying causes of bullying behavior
Student Research Team: Isaiah Collier, Dayanara Cortez Lopez, Yammilet Montez, Brenda Soria, Simone Williams
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Edwards
Grade 7
Guiding Question: Are there healthy food restaurant choices in my community?
Title of Investigation: Using mathematical reasoning to solve problems
Central Argument: Health food options exist in our community, however this depends on one’s choices.
Student Research Team: Kate Velasquez, Citlaly Adams, Catheryn Lopez
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Parsee
Grade 7
Guiding Question: What are solutions we can use to keep the school restrooms clean?
Title of Investigation: School restrooms
Central Argument: If students care about the school than the cleanliness of restrooms should be reflected accordingly
Student Research Team: Axel Acevedo, Steven De La Pena, Brianna Penaloza-Cruz, Jnanya Shingleton
Teacher Facilitator: Mrs. Valentine
Grade 7
Title of Investigation: Do Drugs Hurt Our Community?
Argument: Drugs that are useful to humanity can also be harmful to mankind.
Research Team: Myani Oates, Destiny Lopez & Kiara Stafford
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Williams
Grade 8
Guiding Question: Why should we address social inequality in our community and society?
Title of Investigation: Social inequality
Central Argument: Social inequality creates different experiences for everyone.
Student Research Team: Jakobe Staton, Diego Garcia, Mar’Karjae Pugh, Claudia Cabrera, Samantha Villa
Teacher Facilitator: Mr. Conde
Grade 8
Title of Investigation: Are Anti-Bully School Programs Effective?
Argument: Anti-Bullying programs are expected to have a positive impact on reducing bullying in our schools. It is possible that students will learn acts of bullying they didn't know about before by watching anti-bullying, anti-violence films?
Student Research Team: Stephanie Ayala, Blanca Vivas, Natalie Ayala & Josimar Organista
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Johnson
Grade 8
Guiding Question: Are illegal drugs more accessible to students in our community?
Title of Investigation: Illegal drugs within reach
Central Argument: Children in low-income communities have easy access to drugs
Student Research Team: Jentoria Lee, Imunique Young, Abril Bolainz, Jeffrey Guzman, Brandon Ramirez
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Aguirre-Wasser
A Learning Forum Series
December 9, 2015
Agents of Social Change
Learner-Driven Inquiry: Asking Questions & Defining Problems
Purpose and Outcomes
WLC Student Council Representatives: Aniyah Wilridge, President; Eugene Poats, Vice President; Malaysia Lampley, Secretary; Skyler Jefferson, Treasurer
Kindergarten Research Question: How do we keep our community clean?
Research Team: Kierra Calhoun, Kaithlyn Garcia, Shamiya Hudson, Jada Moran
Facilitator: Mrs. Ramirez
Eight Grade Research Question: What causes homelessness in our community?
Research Team: Xssence Haywood, Guadeloupe Parra, Mar'karjae Pugh, Edgar Ramos
Facilitators: Mr. Ball, Mr. Conde, Mr. Gonzalez, Ms. Johnson
First Grade Research Question: How would your community be different if there wasn’t any litter?
Research Team: Syrahiji Baker-Ross, Justin Coleman, Sympheny Heard
Facilitators: Ms. Donin, Ms. Lisette, Mrs. Reilly
Seventh Grade Research Question: Why does our community have a gang problem?
Research Team: Syre Baker, Daniela Perdomo, Christopher Rojo
Facilitator: Ms. Pearson
Second & Third Grade Research Question: How can we help solve the problem of trash being dumped in the neighborhood and around our school, especially on Grand Avenue?
Research Team: Nayeli Escalante, Alex Fuentas, Hazel Gomez, Zaniyah Prince, Kenady Montreuil
Nyiema Collier, Jayden Jiles, Promise Newton, Salvador Nunez, Kyler Panton, Osbaldo Villenueava
Facilitators: Mr. Mabowe, Mrs. Marroquin, Ms. Wesson, Mrs. Collins Ms. Sima, & Ms. Smith
Sixth Grade Research Question: Are females more emotional than males with regards to self-abuse? What role does drugs have in self-abuse?
Research Team: Salina Langer, Anthony Hernandez, Amy Martinez, MacKayle Nicholes
Facilitators: Ms. Daniels & Mr. Davis
Fourth Grade Research Question: How can we reduce waste in the community in order to minimize or eliminate curbside garbage on the streets?
Research Team: Jair Coria, Evelynn Cornejo, Mikalah Douglas, Aileen Escalante
Facilitators: Ms. Francis & Mr. O’Daniel
Fifth Grade Research Question: How do we get the whole community involved in neighborhood clean-up using an outreach plan?
Research Team: Malaysia Lampley, Edmund Matthews Harold Munoz, Kylah Warren, Judea Watkins, Aniyah Wilridge
Facilitators: Mrs. Clark & Mrs. Von der Lancken
Closing Remarks
A Learning Forum Series: Agents of Social change
Learner-Driven Inquiry – Investigating Problems & Delineating Methods
February 24, 2016
Rotating Stations: Student Research Team Exchange with Families and the Community
Table 1: Grades K-1
Title of Investigation: How do we keep our community clean? How would your community be different if there wasn’t any litter?
Research Team: Kierra Calhoun, Kaithlyn Garcia, Shamiya Hudson, Jada Moran; Syrahiji Baker-Ross, Justin Coleman & Sympheny Heard
Table 2: Grade 2
Title of Investigation: How can we help solve the problem of trash being dumped in the neighborhood and around our school?
Research Team: Alex Fuentas, Hazel Gomez, Nayeli Escalante, Zaniyah Prince & Kenady Montreuil
Teacher Facilitators: Mr. Mabowe & Ms. Wesson
Table 3: Grade 3
Title of Investigation: How can we help solve the problem of trash being dumped in the neighborhood and around our school, especially on Grand Avenue?
Research Team: Salvador Nunez, Promise Newton, Osbaldo Villenueava, Nyiema Collier, Kyler Panton, Jayden Jiles
Teacher Facilitators: Mrs. Collins Ms. Sima, & Ms. Smith
Table 4: Grade 4
Title of Investigation: How can we reduce waste in the community in order to minimize or eliminate curbside garbage on the streets?
Research Team: Jair Coria, Evelynn Cornejo, Mikalah Douglas, Aileen Escalante
Teacher Facilitators: Ms. Francis & Mr. O’Daniel
Table 5: Grade 5
Title of Investigation: How do we involve the whole community in neighborhood clean-up using an outreach plan?
Research Team: Malaysia Lampley, Edmund Matthews Harold Munoz, Kylah Warren, Judea Watkins, Aniyah Wilridge
Teacher Facilitator: Mrs. Clark & Mrs. Von der Lancken
Table 6: Grade 6
Title of Investigation: Why Do People Bully Other People?
Argument: Bullying does not just happen in person. Even when it isn't physical it still involves using power to intimidate or harm another person. Bullying can even be not letting someone participate with the group to make them feel bad.
Research Team: Alliyah Sanchez, Yahir Escudero, Jim Antonio Ray & Melanie Caceres
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Murray
Table 7: Grade 7
Title of Investigation: Do Drugs Hurt Our Community?
Argument: Drugs that are useful to humanity can also be harmful to mankind.
Research Team: Myani Oates, Destiny Lopez & Kiara Stafford
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Williams
Table 8: Grade 8
Title of Investigation: Are Anti-Bully School Programs Effective?
Argument: Anti-Bullying programs are expected to have a positive impact on reducing bullying in our schools. It is possible that students will learn acts of bullying they didn't know about before by watching anti-bullying, anti-violence films?
Student Research Team: Stephanie Ayala, Blanca Vivas, Natalie Ayala & Josimar Organista
Teacher Facilitator: Ms. Johnson
Closing Remarks
1. Teri Austin, President
California State University, Dominguez Hills School of Education (CSUDH)
2. Dr. John Davis, Dean
3. Dr. Jennifer Stacy, Assistant Professor (K-3 Literacy/Social Justice)
Conflict Resolution Support Team (CRST)
4. Eddie Goodman, Founder
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health
5. Dr. Karen Ehnert, Director
6. Christina Johnson, Health Educator
Los Angeles Housing Authority
7. Jennifer Thomas, Community Development Manager
Los Angeles Unified School District (Local District South)
8. Theresa Arreguin, Parent Community Engagement
National Action Network (NAN)
9. Rev. K.W. Tullos, NAN W. Regional Director, NAN LA President, WLC Parent
Still Waters Vibrations Enrichment Network
10. Oshea Luja, Co-Founder
Soledad Enrichment Action Charter School (SEA)
11. LaKeya Johnson, Regional Manager
Watts Gang Task Force
12. Dr. Perry Crouch
13. Reverend James Jones Jr., Gangsters for Christ
Elementary School Panel, Tuesday, May 29th, 3-5pm
Amanda Foundation
1. Teri Austin, President (5/29)
California State University, Dominguez Hills School of Education (CSUDH)
2. Dr. Laurie Inman, Faculty (5/29)
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health
3. Dr. Michelle Chang (5/29)
Community Healing Gardens
4. Nicole Landers, Co-Founder/Executive Director (5/29)
Los Angeles Housing Authority
5. Jennifer Thomas, Community Development Manager (5/29)
Los Angeles Unified School District (Local District South)
6. Theresa Arreguin, Parent Community Engagement (5/29)
Prudential Insurance Company of America, Greater Los Angeles Financial Group
7. Adrian Duncan, Financial Professional Associate (5/29)
Still Waters Vibrations Enrichment Network
8. Oshea Luja, Co-Founder (5/29)
Watts Gang Task Force
9. Dr. Perry Crouch, Education Chair (5/29)
(Chair, WLC Learning Forum Community Panel)
10. Reverend James Jones Jr., Gangsters for Christ (5/29)
Middle School Panel, Wednesday, May 30th, 12-3pm
California State University, Dominguez Hills School of Education (CSUDH)
1. Dr. John Davis, Dean (5/30)
2. Dr. Jennifer Stacy, Faculty (5/30)
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Veterinary Public Health
3. Christina Johnson (5/30)
Children’s Institute
4. Dr. Kay Ramsey, Program Supervisor (5/30)
Los Angeles Housing Authority
5. Joel Lopez, Community Development Manager (5/29-30)
Prudential Insurance Company of America, Greater Los Angeles Financial Group
6. Adrian Duncan, Financial Professional Associate (5/29-30)
Still Waters Vibrations Enrichment Network
7. Oshea Luja, Co-Founder (5/30)
Watts Gang Task Force
8. Dr. Perry Crouch, Education Chair (5/29-30)
(Chair, WLC Learning Forum Community Panel)
9. Reverend James Jones Jr., Gangsters for Christ (5/29-30)
