Program Components
The curriculum offered by the continuation high school shall enable students to meet requirements for high school graduation prescribed in Education Code 51224-51225.3. (5 CCR 11004)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
In order to receive a high school diploma, students in continuation education must pass the high school exit examination. (Education Code 60850)
(cf. 6162.5 - Student Assessment)
Instruction in continuation education classes shall be based on individual needs as determined by the findings of the counseling and coordination services. (5 CCR 11002)
The Superintendent or designee shall provide to all minors in the district subject to compulsory continuation education a program that includes: (Education Code 48431; 5 CCR 11001)
1. Personal guidance
(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)
2. Occupational guidance
3. Placement in suitable employment whenever the student can benefit from such employment
(cf. 5113.2 - Work Permits)
(cf. 6178.1 - Work Experience Education)
4. Follow-up services including:
a. Visitations at places of employment to determine the effectiveness of the guidance and placement services
b. Regular home contacts and parent conferences when students are not succeeding in the continuation program
(cf. 6020 - Parent Involvement)
c. Regular contacts with students enrolled for only four hours per week and all students suspended from continuation education with the intent of eventually returning them to the full-time continuation education program
The continuation high school shall be conducted for not less than 175 days during a school year. (5 CCR 11004)
Program Administration
The director of continuation education shall be responsible for the organization and administration of the district's continuation education program and guidance, placement and follow-up. (5 CCR 11000)
Involuntary Transfer
Students eligible for continuation education classes shall be age 16 or 17 at the time of their enrollment and shall not have graduated from high school. (Education Code 48400, 48413)
A decision to transfer a student involuntarily into continuation education classes shall be based on a finding that the student meets either of the following conditions: (Education Code 48432.5)
1. The student committed an act enumerated in Education Code 48900.
Involuntary transfer to a continuation school shall be made only when other means fail to bring about student improvement. However, a student may be involuntarily transferred the first time he/she commits an act enumerated in Education Code 48900 if the principal determines that the student's presence causes a danger to persons or property or threatens to disrupt the instructional process. (Education Code 48432.5)
(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)
2. The student has been habitually truant or irregular in legally required school attendance.
(cf. 5113 - Absences and Excuses)
(cf. 5113.1 - Truancy)
Prior to an involuntary transfer, the student and parent/guardian shall be given written notice that they may request a meeting with the Superintendent or designee. (Education Code 48432.5)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)
At the meeting, the student or parent/guardian shall be informed of the specific facts and reasons for the proposed transfer. The student or parent/guardian shall have the opportunity to inspect all documents relied upon, question any evidence and witnesses presented, and present evidence on the student's behalf. The student may designate one or more representatives and witnesses to be present with him/her at the meeting. (Education Code 48432.5)
A written decision to transfer, stating the facts and reasons for the decision, shall be sent to the student and parent/guardian. It shall indicate whether the decision is subject to periodic review and the procedure for such review. (Education Code 48432.5)
The persons making the final decision for involuntary transfer shall not be members of the staff of the school in which the student is enrolled at the time. (Education Code 48432.5)
No involuntary transfer to a continuation school shall extend beyond the end of the semester following the semester when the acts leading to the involuntary transfer occurred. (Education Code 48432.5)
However, at the request of a student or parent/guardian, the Superintendent or designee shall conduct an annual review of the involuntary transfer.
Voluntary Enrollment
With the consent of the Superintendent or designee, a student may voluntarily enroll in continuation classes in order to receive special attention such as individualized instruction. Students so enrolled may return to the regular high school at the beginning of the following school year, or at any time the Superintendent or designee gives consent. (Education Code 48432.5)
Reenrollment
Any person age 16 or 17 who left school after obtaining a certificate of proficiency may reenroll in the district without prejudice. If the student leaves a second time, the Superintendent or designee may deny reenrollment until the beginning of the next semester. (Education Code 48414)
Leaves of Absence
A student enrolled in compulsory continuation education classes may take a leave of absence for up to two semesters for the purpose of supervised travel, study, training or work in accordance with law, Board policy and administrative regulation. (Education Code 48416)
(cf. 5112.3 - Student Leave of Absence)
Minimum Attendance Requirement
Each student in the continuation education program shall attend classes for not less than four 60-minute hours per week for the regular school term. The requirement may be met by attendance in a continuation education class and/or regional occupational center or program. (Education Code 48400)
If a student subject to compulsory attendance in continuation education classes cannot give satisfactory proof of regular employment, the student shall attend continuation education classes and/or a regional occupational center or program for not less than 15 hours per week during the period of unemployment. (Education Code 48402)
Regulation NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: September 8, 2009 Costa Mesa, California