MYTH

FACT

·        Continuation Schools are not effective

·        Regularly graduate significant percentage of district's yearly graduates

·        Highly effective in moving students up to grade level achievement

·        Help students make up credit deficiencies

·        Successful students may opt to return to the traditional high school

·        Improved attendance

·        Attitudes and behavior improved

·        Increased personal responsibility

·        Improved citizenship -community benefits

·        Parent testimonials illustrates strong support

·        Schools and students earn state and national recognition

·        Second-class education

·        All schools are either WASC accredited or evaluated through the PQR Process

·        Standards-based curriculum

·        Curriculum and assessment aligned to standards

·        Diploma is equal to that given at the traditional high school

·        Transition to post-secondary education programs

·        Credits are earned on basis of mastery not seat time or percentage of scores

·        Instructional strategies designed to match student learning styles (Multiple Intelligence’s)

·        Partnerships (community, college, business, industry, professional arena, churches)

·        Scholarships freely awarded to continuation graduates

·        ASB/Sports programs/Clubs

·        Senior prom, trips and activities

·        Counseling

·        Insignificant number of schools and students served

·        600+ schools in the state are Continuation -Only 850 schools are traditional

·        In excess of 100,000 students annually (P2 Report)

·        #1 dropout prevention program in the state (Former Governor Pete Wilson -1997)

·        Continuation Education in California is largest dropout program in the nation

·        Continuation Schools are expensive

·        E.C. 48430 mandates Continuation Education

·        Cost of education vs. cost of dropout and possible welfare recipient

·        Cost to community of being non-productive citizen (unemployed)

·        Eligible for variety of categorical funds + minimum state add-on

·        Continuation Schools are dangerous lower property values neighborhood

·        Asset to the community and the

·        Attractive, safe and clean campuses

·        Very low incidence of vandalism or graffiti

·        Active participants in neighborhood and community activities

·        Low incidence of fighting (suspensions and expulsions)

·        Cross-age teaching well received (Continuation students work, mentor, and teach at pre-schools, elementary and middle schools in the district

·        All kids in Continuation are bad!

Gang Members

Drug Addicts

Violence Prone

Juvenile Offenders

·        GATE students

·        Credit deficient-Most common reason

·        All students may be at risk depending on circumstances of their lives

·        Inconsistent school attendance

·        Teen Parents

·        Emancipated Minors

·        Families are Transient

·        Homeless

·        Non-Proficient at former school

·        Family Catastrophe

·        Give away credits/diplomas

·        High expectations for success

·        Standards-based curriculum

·        No F's are accepted. Competency is demonstrated by grades A, B, C with occasional D's

·        Same requirements and rigor as traditional

·        high school

·        Must pass CAHSEE to earn diploma

·        Teachers only teach part time

·        State only funds 3 hours per day per student/   l 5 hours per week per student

·        School and teachers available to students for 6+ hours per day

·        Many districts provide 6-8 hours per day for Continuation students despite the added cost to the district

·        Teachers have multiple responsibilities (Continuation classes + coaching, adult ed,  independent study, etc.)