Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS)

Modified methods of measurement for indicators that are aligned with the evaluation rubrics of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) to evaluate the success or progress of schools that serve high-risk students.

Background

In 2013, California's accountability system significantly changed with the adoption of the LCFF. This new accountability system, the California School Dashboard (Dashboard), contains state indicators and standards to help identify a school's strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement. Because these state indicators and standards were developed for traditional (non-alternative) schools, the State Board of Education (SBE) and stakeholders raised concerns that the state indicators and standards did not fairly evaluate the success or progress of alternative schools that serve high-risk students.

California Education Code (EC) Section 52052(d) requires: The Superintendent, with the approval of the State Board of Education, shall develop an alternative accountability system for schools under the jurisdiction of a county board of education or a county superintendent of schools, community day schools, . . . and alternative schools serving high-risk pupils, including continuation high schools and opportunity schools . . .

As a result, the SBE directed the California Department of Education (CDE) to explore the development of modified methods, where appropriate, for alternative schools.

The DASS program replaces the previously administered Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) and holds alternative schools and alternative schools of choice accountable for modified methods of measurement for accountability indicators, when appropriate. The SBE will continue to take action on how to incorporate new modified methods in the Dashboard for future releases.