Since fiscal year 1984-85, the California Department of Education (CDE) has administered the competitive grant award process that funds Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP). California comprehensive high schools may use the grant funds for programs that provide students with advanced learning opportunities in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to English-language arts, mathematics, science, history and social science, foreign language, and the visual performing arts. The acquisition of technology skills and the use of technology as a tool for instruction and learning are also emphasized in these programs.
Since its inception, SSP has funded over 130 programs. The funding cycle is four years, which includes a planning year followed by three years of program implementation. After the planning year, funding is contingent on the CDE´s review of an annual progress report and a viable continued funding application. SSP funds must also be evident in the state budget.
Programs selected for funding are structured so that participating students can explore areas of study in a deeper way while developing their talents and skills as they prepare for the world of work or higher education. Frequently, specialized secondary programs are established as a smaller learning community or a school-within-a-school. As a result, the CDE expects high quality, innovative approaches to curriculum and instruction, staffing, and scheduling. Not only does the SSP approach often lead to secondary benefits for the entire school, district, and local community, it can also serve as a model for effective educational reform.
In the fall of each year, a Request for Application (RFA) for the planning year is mailed to every public high school, public school district, and county office of education in California. The RFA is also posted on the CDE Web site. The following information highlights other features of SSP:
- One comprehensive high school per school district or a consortium of high schools or districts may submit proposals.
- High schools currently receiving SSP funding are not eligible to apply until their current funding ceases.
- Applications must propose curriculum, which would serve students in at least grades 10-12, and must commit to using technology as a key implementation tool.
- SSPs may select as teachers, non-credentialed individuals who possess unique talents or skills from business, performing arts, or post-secondary institutions. However, a "certificate of clearance" must be obtained within 60 days of such an individual being hired.
- Faculty members in SSPs must develop curriculum, instructional materials and methodology that the Superintendent of Public Instruction could make available to other schools in the state.
Annual Evaluation of Each SSP
In 1992, Assembly Bill 1925 (Chapter 563, statutes of 1992) required that each SSP conduct an annual evaluation to document a variety of factors, such as provision of support services to students, graduation rates, percentage of students pursuing postsecondary education or additional professional training after graduation, satisfaction with the program, and student academic performance. An SSP is deemed successful if it meets all of the following:
- Eighty percent of the pupils participating in the program pursue either postsecondary education or additional professional training in their fields of study after graduation from high school
- Eighty percent of the pupils who remain in the program complete their high school education
Other aspects of the program to be evaluated include:
- Increased stakeholders' satisfaction with pupil learning, school organization, and school governance and management
- Counseling and other support services that enhance the program and the success of the pupils
- Improvement in academic performance of pupils as measured by appropriate standards of achievement
Appropriate Use of Funds
Funds are to be used to promote the intent and letter of Education Code sections 58800 - 58806 and in accordance with the California School Accounting Manual. These funds are intended to provide advanced learning opportunities for students. The funds are not intended to supplant current fixed costs or to be used for gifts of public funds.
