Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a Smaller Learning Community at Reed?

Parents of applicants apply directly to Walter Reed Middle School. An application is included in this packet. Please return
the application in the pre-addressed envelope as soon as possible, but no later than February 26, 2010.

May I apply to more than one SLC?
You may apply to as many Smaller Learning Communities as you wish. Please indicate on the application which program is your first choice, second choice, third choice, etc.

May we visit the school and meet the teachers?
Prospective students and their parents are most welcome to visit the school and meet the teachers. Tours are held on
Thursdays (10 am — 12 noon) on the following days:
November 12, 19
December 10, 17
January 14, 21, 28

You may call the main office of the school to reserve a space: 818-487-7600. Please arrive promptly on the day of
your tour and come to the lobby of the auditorium.

May we visit more than one SLC?
We have reorganized our school tours. This year, each tour group will see all the Smaller Learning Communities
on one visit. The tours will be one hour longer than they were last year. This way, families will not need to come
back to the school for a second or third visit in order to choose an SLC for their child.

Who is qualified to apply for a SLC?
With the exception of the Individualized Honors Program,Reed’s Smaller Learning Communities are designed
primarily for students who reside within the Reed residential enrollment area.

However, a limited number of School for Advanced Studies (SAS) permits will be available next year for those
not meeting this residential requirement. Applicants who live outside the enrollment boundaries are encouraged to
apply. Qualified applicants will be put on a ranked waitlist and accepted to our programs on a space-available basis.

Who is qualified for an SAS Permit?
Students who are State Identified Gifted or demonstrate superior academic achievement by:
National percentile scores of 78% or above on standardized achievement tests in both total reading and
total mathematics.

California Standards Test (CST) scaled scores of 425 or above in language arts, 450 or above in mathematics.

Who is qualified to apply for the Individualized Honors Program?
Any student may apply. It is a program designed for Highly Gifted students, whether or not they have the LAUSD designation or live within the Reed residential enrollment area. We encourage students who have demonstrated academic achievement comparable to that of highly gifted students to apply.

The median California Standards Test (CST) scaled scores for 6th grade students who were accepted to the IHP first round last year 2009-10 were:
Language Arts: 498; Math: 600
The median CST scores for accepted applicants 2008-09:
Language Arts: 511; Math: 565

Are the SLCs part of the Magnet Program?
No, we are not part of LAUSD’s Magnet Program. Reed students do not earn magnet points.

Is transportation provided by the district?
No. Transportation to and from school is provided by parents or carpools. In the past the parent groups have
organized a carpool list.

To whom should I give the Teacher Recommendation Form?
Fill out Part 1 of the Teacher Recommendation Form and give it to your child’s current teacher. Applicants for seventh and eighth grade should have the form completed by a current English or math teacher. After the teacher completes the evaluation, she/he should mail it directly to us in the pre-addressed envelope included in this packet. Teacher Recommendations are confidential and we prefer that they be sent directly to us by the teacher. The deadline for receipt of teacher recommendations is February 26, 2010. As that date approaches, you may wish to check with your child’s teacher to ensure that the recommendation has been completed and mailed.

Are additional references necessary?
No, we require only one recommendation from your child’s current teacher.

Should I include a portfolio of student work with the application?
No, we only request a writing sample graded by your child’s current teacher, no more than two pages please.

Do you schedule student interviews?
No, we do not schedule student interviews.

Do you accept late applications?
Yes, we accept late applications. Please keep in mind that we receive many more applications than there are spaces available. Late applications will not be considered for the first round of invitations.

When will acceptance letters be mailed?
The first round of acceptance letters will be mailed April 9th, 2010. If necessary, a second round of invitations will be mailed in May to fill any remaining openings.

If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
Tomer Kleinman is the Smaller Learning Communities Coordinator. He can be contacted by email at txk3090@lausd.net.

His assistant, Debbie Vodhanel, may be contacted by email at djv4258@lausd.net, or by phone at
818- 487-7600 ext. 306. The SLC office is located in the main building of the school, Room 103.