California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 37 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools for 2023, including PUSD’s Citrus High School. Model Continuation High Schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students ages sixteen through eighteen who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education.
“Congratulations to these wonderful schools for their all-around excellence as alternative centers of learning,” said Thurmond. “They provide invaluable resources and academic opportunities for students and their families across our state. The efforts of teachers and administrators at our Model Continuation High Schools provide students with the social support and goal-setting skills that they need to succeed in the academic setting and in their lives after high school.”
More than 430 continuation high schools serve close to 78,000 students throughout the state. Model Continuation High Schools excelled and provided exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. For example:
Citrus High School in Porterville not only values each student but also is committed to building relationships with each student as staff “meet them where they are” and help students to grow into the adults they were destined to become. Peer tutoring at the local elementary school and serving as camp counselors boosts student confidence and worth but also truly connects the school to the community itself.
The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School-recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies.
The 37 schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years and will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2023 State Conference in San Diego from April 27 to April 30, 2023.