Challenges Faced by LAUSD’s Carlson Home Hospital School
Los Angeles Unified School District’s Carlson Home Hospital School has been facing significant challenges, impacting the education of sick students in the district. Teachers at the school have been going above and beyond to support students dealing with illnesses ranging from leukemia to eating disorders. Despite their dedication, the school has faced instability, including the recent closure of its online program, the Carlson Home Online Academy (CHOA).
Conflict Over Online Program
In fall 2023, concerns were raised by teachers at Carlson regarding CHOA, which they believed violated California’s education code requiring home-hospital schools to operate in person. While some teachers favored the online program, others felt it was a disservice to sick students and led to alleged workplace violations. The closure of CHOA in July 2024 left roughly 170 sick students and educators uncertain about their next steps.
Impact on Students
Students at Carlson relied on the school for specialized education while dealing with illnesses or medical treatments. The closure of CHOA affected their ability to receive individualized instruction and complete coursework online. Teachers had been using resources like Edgenuity to support students in various subjects simultaneously, fostering camaraderie among peers. However, some argued that the online program was unfair to students with more serious illnesses who couldn’t engage in virtual learning.
Aftermath of CHOA’s Closure
Following the closure of CHOA, former teachers transitioned to become home-hospital teachers at Carlson, while others chose to leave the school. Some teachers expressed demoralization and considered seeking opportunities elsewhere due to the limitations imposed by the closure of the online program. Students were informed of their options, including enrolling in Virtual Academy Schools, but some found these alternatives lacking the flexibility and resources they needed for their education.
The challenges faced by LAUSD’s Carlson Home Hospital School highlight the complexities of supporting ill students in their educational journey. The closure of the online program has left students and educators in a state of uncertainty, impacting their ability to receive individualized instruction and complete coursework effectively. As the school navigates these challenges, it is essential to prioritize the needs of sick students and ensure they have access to quality education despite their health conditions.
