SANTA ANA — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today released the names of 11 California schools that have been designated 2005 Model Continuation High Schools. A list of the schools is attached.

"These schools are being recognized for outstanding programs that are working to keep our young people in school and on track for a better future," Connell said. "They provide the kind of instructional strategies and flexibility these students need to complete their high school educations."

The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is sponsored by the California Department of Education's (CDE) Continuation Education program, in cooperation with the California Continuation Education Association.

The CDE Continuation Education program has been an option for students since 1919 for those in need of more flexible school schedules with an emphasis on vocational or career goals. This program is designed to meet the needs of students aged 16 through 18 who have not graduated from high school, are not exempt from compulsory school attendance, and are deemed at risk of not completing their schooling.

More than 68,000 California high school students attended 521 continuation high schools in 2003-04.

Schools applying for model school designation must demonstrate elements including program effectiveness, school management, curriculum, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, education climate, and guidance and counseling. Parents, students, and community members also submit narrative statements supporting their respective schools. A review team visits finalist schools before recommending them to the State Superintendent for model school status.

The CDE works in partnership with the California Continuation Education Association to identify Model Continuation High Schools. Chosen schools retain their title for five years. The 11 schools named today will join 68 previously designated schools.

For more information on Continuation Education, please visit Continuation Education, or the California Continuation Education Association [ http://www.cceanet.org/] (Outside Source). For more information on Superintendent O'Connell's education reform efforts, please visit State of Education.

# # # #

Attachment

Model Continuation High Schools for 2005

1. Cambridge High School: Samuel Hines, Principal, 1001 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, CA 93702; Dr. Walter L. Buster, Superintendent, Fresno Unified School District.
2. Cesar E. Chavez High School: Margarita Rosette, Principal, 2128 S. Cypress Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707; Dr. Al Mijares, Superintendent, Santa Ana Unified School District.
3. El Camino High School: John Tovar, Principal, 14625 Keese Drive, Whittier, CA 90604; Ginger Shattuck, Superintendent, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
4. Frontier High School: Carlye Marousek Olsen, Principal, 9401 S. Painter Ave., Whittier, CA 90605; Sandra Thorstenson, Superintendent, Whittier Union High School District.
5. George M. DeWolf High School: Dr. Gerry Catanzarite, Principal, 2021 North Clark Ave., Fresno, CA 93703; Dr. Walter L. Buster, Superintendent, Fresno Unified School District.
6. Montecito High School: Gary L. Tiegs, Principal, 720 Ninth Street, Ramona, CA 92065; Peter Schiff, Superintendent, Ramona Unified School District.
7. Mt. Madonna High School: John Perales, Principal, 8750 Hirasaki Court, Gilroy, CA 95020; Edwin Diaz, Superintendent, Gilroy Unified School District.
8. Mt. Olive High School: Al Scalise, Principal, 1400 Mt. Olive Drive, Duarte, CA 91010; Judith Gutierrez, Superintendent, Duarte Unified School District.
9. Pershing High School: David Raygoza, Principal, 10950 West McKinley Drive, Fresno, CA 93722; Larry Powell, Superintendent, Central Unified School District.
10. Val Verde High School: John Parker, Principal, 972 West Morgan Road, Perris, CA 92571; Dr. C. Fred Workman, Superintendent, Val Verde Unified School District.
11. Valley Oak High School: Toosje Lamoreaux, Principal, 1600 Myrtle Ave., Napa, CA 94558; Dr. John Glaser, Superintendent, Napa Unified School District.