1. A GREAT PLACE TO BEGIN AGAIN...

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

3. ORANGE
Orange County
California

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

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

18. 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

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

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

21. 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%)

22. 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

23. 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

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

25. QUESTIONS?
For More Information: