A Change Agent Emerges in LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
March 20, 2006
An article from the Los Angeles Daily News, "Mayor says LAUDS in crisis," reveals a change agent in the making. By arguing for the need for change agents in his district, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa became one himself for the public education system in the Los Angeles United School District. He recognized that the startlingly high drop out rate in the area (the second largest school district in America) as a critical issue requiring immediate attention and action.
Villaraigosa plans to roll out a plan enacting major change in the LAUSC area, involving the community as well as the government in an effort to improving the graduation rate. To do so, Villaraigosa urged city leaders and educators to join forces, saying, "Only coming together can we truly address this situation". The presence of good teachers, and good intentions are not enough to make a difference. Instead, Villaraigosa calls for action, and has unveiled a multi-step, collaborative plan to initiate reform in the area. His statement, "there's a culture of complacency in this district that has to change. It requires urgency, change agents and a commitment to innovation," verifies the fact that he understands the level of the commitment required to enact change. His words show that through living these values, Villaraigosa hopes to raise the level of commitment in those around him; in the government, the education system, and finally, in the students themselves. Whether or not his plans yield any tangible result in the LAUDS graduation rate will tell whether or not Villaraigosa becomes the change agent he perceives himself to be. Only time will tell.
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