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Orange County Department of Education ACCESS ALTERNATIVE, COMMUNITY, AND CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS AND SERVICES

ORANGE Orange County California

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION SITES La Habra ACCESS PARS B – Chapman** C – CHEP D – Fischer F – South Cty G – North H – Los Rios I – Summit J – Orange Grv K – East Cty O – Pathways B (Sites out of Region) C (Sites out of Region) D (Sites out of Region) C F (Sites out of Region) G (Sites out of Region) EAST CO. PAR C H (Sites out of Region) O D O D K (Sites out of Region) O O B B B O O (Sites out of Region) O D K H O K C K B B K C H F SOUTH CO. PAR H C

ACCESS Vision ACCESS Mission We provide all students in an alternative setting with a world-class education that maximizes their academic and personal success. ACCESS Mission We care for, teach, and inspire all ACCESS students to discover their potential, develop their character, and maximize their learning so they may become successful contributors to society.

The “Typical” ACCESS Student Male 11th grade Hispanic Behind in credits Students entering 11th grade should have 120 credits Students entering ACCESS average about 70 credits Source: ACCESS Attendance & Records Office, September 2004

Student referrals to ACCESS are by: Local school districts Families who choose to participate in home-schooling (district referral) Students in group homes Students referred by Social Service agencies Students who are incarcerated Students who are on probation or parole Students who are parents Students who are homeless Adults incarcerated in county facilities

DEMOGRAPHICS 2004 Total enrollment July 2004: 8,649 Twelfth in size out of twenty–eight districts in Orange county Total number of students served: 16,961 (19,029, including home schooled) Student:Teacher ratio 22:1 Total staff: 757 (396 teachers, 57 administrators , 139 paraeducators, 57 clerical, 108 support)

THINK EXIT ON ENTRY Staff understands that there are many aspects to transition so a multi-layered transition plan begins from the moment students arrive. All collaborative partners contribute to this plan.

ACCESS Partners Teachers, Parents, Students ACCESS Student Support Services/Clinical Staff Probation/Social Service Departments Judicial Staff Local School District Staff/Child Welfare and Attendance Personnel Orange County Community Resource Organizations

ACCESS Transition Program Mission To augment services to neglected and delinquent youth by providing effective transitional support, guidance, and referrals during their move from enrollment in an ACCESS school back to the community or other school placement.

ACCESS Transition Specialists: Meet individually with students to establish goals that will lead to the student’s successful transition Monitor student progress through regular, consistent contact Provide follow-up monitoring for twelve months

ACCESS Transition Program ACCESS transition services are based on the foundation of three skill areas essential for a successful transition to adulthood: Educational Skills Employment Skills Life Skills

Educational Assistance Educational plan development Transcript evaluation and assessment Assist with transfers to next school placement Obtain specific college information Assist with college financial aid and scholarship opportunities

Job/Vocational Referrals Employment Skills Job/Vocational Referrals Educate students on employment skills including resume writing, interview skills, work habits, applications Provide referrals to employment resources and vocational programs Inform students of local school/work programs, including Orange County Conservation Corps, R.O.P., Job Corps Provide information regarding military service

Life Skills Training Educate students on how to find and access community resources Teach money management skills Assist students in obtaining a California I.D., birth certificate, or social security card Register students with the Selective Service

Additional Transition Services Present workshops on the following topics: Credit Evaluations Graduation Requirements Community Resources Transition Services and other transition-related topics

Additional Transition Services (continued) Provide Transition Resources including: Graduation Requirements Binder outlining county-wide comprehensive school requirements Adult Education Directory which lists specific requirements, including enrollment procedures, for adult education programs within Orange County

Transition Program Statistics   TRANSITION SERVICE PERCENTAGE OFFERED OF STUDENTS (2003 SCHOOL YEAR) RECEIVING SERVICE Transcript / Credit Evaluation 100% Enrollment in School (ACCESS) 70% Enrollment in School (non-ACCESS) 30% ROP Enrollment 12% Vocational Program Enrollment 10% Diploma 26% College Enrollment 10% .

ACCESS RECEIVED 6 YEAR WASC ACCREDITATION IN 2004 ACCESS Graduates: 2003-2004 Diploma--1073 GED--146 CHSPE--13 ACCESS RECEIVED 6 YEAR WASC ACCREDITATION IN 2004

Senior Exit Survey 26% attended ACCESS for 1-2 years After attending ACCESS schools, grades improved (92% both years) Enjoy school more now (65 %), and attend more regularly (70%) Coursework is the same or more challenging (81%) Would grade the quality of the education as A/B (87%) Respectful and caring school staff (99% agreed) Students felt safe at school (97%)

Senior Exit Survey continued Work 30 hours or more/week (42%) Post high school plans: 2-year college (49%); full-time work (35%) Positive aspects of ACCESS: good teachers; working at student’s own pace; one-on-one attention; flexible schedule. Concerns: friends not around; no extracurricular activities college work military

So what do we need to be doing? More of: Providing a caring community Encouraging questioning Teachers providing the model for critical thinking Using visual technology appropriately Parental involvement

And More of: Teaching and listening Using real problems Ending fragmentation Maximizing instructional time Research-proven strategies across ACCESS Case management

QUESTIONS? For More Information: http://www.access.k12.ca.us/