Program Information
Continuation education is a high school diploma program designed to meet the needs of students sixteen through eighteen years of age who have not graduated from high school, are not exempt from compulsory school attendance, and are deemed at risk of not completing their education . Education Code (EC) sections that provide for continuation education include sections 44865, 46170, 48400-48438, and 51055.
Students enrolled in continuation education programs are often credit deficient or in need of a flexible schedule due to employment, family obligations, and/or other critical needs. For apportionment purposes, a minimum day of attendance in continuation education is 180 minutes. However, many continuation high schools offer academic programs that exceed the minimum daily attendance requirement.
In addition to providing state mandated academic courses for high school graduation, continuation education emphasizes guidance, career orientation, and/or a work-study schedule. Supplemental programs and services may include independent study, Regional Occupational Centers and Programs, career counseling, job placement, and apprenticeships.
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Program Summary
Information on program purpose, services, outcomes, funding, students served, and results. -
Model Continuation High School Recognition Program
The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding programs and creates a resource list of quality programs for school visitations. These schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. CDE encourages continuation high schools that meet the eligibility criteria to submit an application to the Model Continuation High School Recognition Program.
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Continuation Education E-mail List
To receive information about the establishment and operation of continuation education schools by e-mail, send a blank message to join-continuation-education@mlist.cde.ca.gov.
Accountability
The Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) provides accountability for educational options schools serving very high-risk, highly mobile students. These schools include continuation, community day, county community, juvenile court, Division of Juvenile Justice, opportunity, and other alternative schools that meet stringent criteria set by the State Board of Education.
Resources
- Resources to support educational options programs and schools.
- Educational Options Best Practices (Outside Source)
Best practices in Court, Community, Community Day Schools, Continuation Schools, Independent Study, and other alternative education programs throughout California.- Curriculum, Instruction, and Education Technology
- Student Support, Retention, and Transition
- Leadership and Staff Development
- Assessment, Evaluation, and Data Management
Pupil Retention Block Grant
Beginning in 2005-06, funding for the Continuation Education program will be included in the Pupil Retention Block Grant, established by Assembly Bill (AB) 825, Chapter 871, Statutes of 2004 and the California EC sections that govern the Continuation Education program have been repealed.
Local educational agencies that received funding in 2003-04 for Continuation Education are eligible to receive funds from the Pupil Retention Block Grant and may utilize Pupil Retention Block Grant funding for any of the purposes of the programs included in that Block Grant, with only a few statutory limits. Please refer to the AB 825 Web site for specific information regarding the use of Pupil Retention Block Grant funds as well as the other Block Grants established by AB 825.
Contact Information
Program contact:
Dennis Fisher, Consultant
916-445-5613
dfisher@cde.ca.gov
Educational Options Office
Secondary, Postsecondary,
and Adult Leadership Division
California Department of Education
John F. Burns, Administrator
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-322-5012
