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ASOC Annual Evaluation Process FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pertaining to the Alternative Schools of Choice (ASOCs) Annual Evaluation process.

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  1. What are ASOCs?

    Per California Education Code Section 58500 External link opens in new window or tab., an ASOC is defined as a school or separate class group within a school which is operated in a manner designed to:

    • Maximize the opportunity for students to develop the positive values of self-reliance, initiative, kindness, spontaneity, resourcefulness, courage, creativity, responsibility, and joy.

    • Recognize that the best learning takes place when the student learns because of his desire to learn.

    • Maintain a learning situation maximizing student self-motivation and encouraging the student in his own time to follow his own interests. These interests may be conceived by him totally and independently or may result in whole or in part from a presentation by his teachers of choices of learning projects.

    • Maximize the opportunity for teachers, parents, and students to cooperatively develop the learning process and its subject matter. This opportunity shall be a continuous, permanent process.

    • Maximize the opportunity for the students, teachers, and parents to continuously react to the changing world, including but not limited to the community in which the school is located.
  2. Are all ASOCs required to complete an annual evaluation survey?

    Yes. All ASOCs and alternative programs of choice are required to complete annual evaluations as stated in California Education Code Section 58510 External link opens in new window or tab..

  3. Can we change the survey or use another survey similar to the surveys provided?

    No. The student, parent, and teacher surveys must remain consistent with the information the California Department of Education provides. This will allow for a multi-year analysis.

    The surveys may be changed to another format (e.g., Google Docs) to disseminate to the students, parents, and teachers.
  4. When are the ASOC Annual Evaluations due?

    The ASOC Annual Evaluations are due on or before August 1 of the following year as stated in the California Education Code Section 58510 External link opens in new window or tab..

  5. Our school/program closes for the summer. Can the evaluation be completed and submitted before the end of the school year?

    Yes. The California Department of Education highly encourages schools/programs to complete and submit prior to the August 1 deadline.

  6. Can we waive this evaluation process?

    No. There is not a process in place to waive the annual evaluation. This is required per California Education Code Section 58509 External link opens in new window or tab..

  7. Do we need an outside evaluator to complete this process?

    No. When you use the electronic online survey process no outside evaluator is necessary. The California Department of Education will evaluate the information once it is received.

  8. Should we submit responses in percentages?

    No. Responses should be submitted using the total number of participants who responded to each designated choice. Please use whole numbers.

  9. How do we submit the final report?

    Final reports are submitted by completing the online survey External link opens in new window or tab..

Questions:   Educational Options Office | altschoolschoice@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Monday, March 20, 2023