1) How Has LA Changed—A Map Exercise
Look at the historic maps that depict the changing racial and ethnic population of Los Angeles County from 1940-2000. http://lewis.sppsr.ucla.edu/special/metroamerica/ladiversity.htm. How has the racial/ethnic population of Los Angeles changed? Have some areas of Los Angeles County changed more than others? What did you find most surprising in these maps?

2) How Has Your School Changed—Looking at Education Data, 1969-2003
Choose one school in LAUSD and compare the student demographics in 1969 and 2002-2003. Has the student population changed? How? Are there more students enrolled now than in 1969? Is there a larger proportion of Latino, African American, Asian, or White students now than in 1969?

3) The Battle for Education on Equal Terms—A First Look at Mendez and Brown
Look at the Mendez and Brown decisions. (You may also want to browse TCLA’s list of on-line resources on Mendez and Brown.) Read the following quote from Brown: "Does segregation of children in public schools solely on the basis of race, even though the physical facilities and other ‘tangible’ factors may be equal, deprive the children of the minority group of equal education opportunities? We believe that it does." Do you agree? Why or why not?

4) Changing Conditions?
Watch the set of 6 videos created by students and parent advocates in IDEA’s summer seminar. What problems did LA students face 50 years ago? What about 20 years ago? Do these problems still exist today?

5) Unequal Terms Today
Read “Examining Access to Educational Resources.” Look at the map of overcrowded schools. What areas are most impacted by overcrowding? Do you think your school is overcrowded?

6) Why Unequal Education Matters
What difference does Maria Brenes think overcrowding makes? Do you agree?

7) Why Equal Education Matters
Alex de Baca believes that providing education on equal terms would make a significant difference to young people who are presently cast out of our educational system. Do you agree?

8) Your Voice Matters
Young people across Los Angeles can share their ideas about the struggle for education on equal terms as part of TCLA’s on-line dialogue. Here are some questions to get you started: Is there one resource inequality that particularly concerns you? If so, what is it and why do you think it is important? Are there resource inequalities within your own school community? What difference would equal educational resources make in your life?