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 Local Control Funding Formula (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 Dashboard Alternative School Status (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.
Eligibility and Application
- DASS Eligibility Criteria
- DASS Application Instructions and Form
- DASS Withdrawal Instructions (For schools automatically included in DASS participation)
- Active DASS Schools (A list of schools that are in DASS as of the 2018 Dashboard.)
Resources
What is the Dashboard Alternative School Status Program? (PDF)
A one-page description of the DASS.
DASS FAQs
Commonly asked questions regarding DASS.
Modified Method(s)
June 2018 Letter: DASS Graduation Rate (PDF)
A letter notifying schools and districts about the approval of the DASS graduation rate by the State Board of Education as a modified method for the Dashboard Graduation Rate Indicator.
August 2018 Letter: Using the One-Year Graduation Cohort for the College/Career Indicator
A letter notifying schools and districts about the use of the one-year graduation cohort as the base of students included in the CCI for DASS schools.
DASS Graduation Rate (PDF)
A PowerPoint slide-deck that explains how the graduation rate for DASS schools is calculated using modified methods.
