Diploma Plus High Schools
Purpose
The Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp), supported through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation), is expanding its network of Diploma Plus (DP) small high schools from the east coast to California. In selecting California DP program sites and supporting their implementation, CommCorp is working with New Ways to Work (NWW) and the California Department of Education (CDE), in overseeing the implementation of DP sites in California.
Program/Services
DP schools are based on an alternative/small school model designed and administered by the Center for Youth Development and Education (CYDE) at the CommCorp. It serves youth who have not experienced success in high school. These youth may have dropped out and want to re-enter school or may still be enrolled and underachieving. DP improves the academic rigor for these students while improving the transition to post-secondary opportunities.
Outcomes
DP graduates receive a high school diploma. They also gain strong academic and life skills, valuable work experience, and college credits that can be applied to a future college degree.
Funding
CommCorp has committed a total of $2,012,500 from its Gates Foundation grant to the expansion of DP schools in California. Approximately $1,207,500 is available as seed grant awards directly from CommCorp to selected California DP schools.
Approximately $503,125 is available through in-kind support to the new California DP schools provided by CommCorp and a combination of support given to the CDE and NWW.
NWW is funded in the amount of $600,000 for the period of September 1, 2005 to August 30, 2008 from two sources: (1) CommCorp in the amount of $301,875, at the rate of $100,625 for each of fiscal year (FY) 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008; and (2) the CDE in the amount of $298,125, at the rate of $99,375 for each of FY 2006, FY 2007, and FY 2008.
Students Served
The proposed schools will vary in size ranging from 150 to 300 students, averaging an enrollment of 230 students each, and will serve a total of approximately 1,150 students. The typical length of stay for students will be from two to four years, depending on the skills that students have upon entrance into DP and how quickly they advance toward proficiency.
Results
DP schools must be public schools that offer public high school diplomas and comply with all graduation requirements set forth in the California Education Code, including passing the California High School Exit Examination. DP schools must comply with state and federal accountability and reporting provisions.
Contact Information
The Diploma Plus High Schools Program is administered by:
California Department of Education
Secondary, Postsecondary, and Adult Leadership Division
Educational Options Office
1430 N Street, Suite 4503
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dennis Fisher
Education Programs Consultant
916-445-5613
dfisher@cde.ca.gov
