Redwood High Named Model Continuation School

Redwood High School was one of 27 California schools named this afternoon as a 2011 Model Continuation High School, announced State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell.

O'Connell said in a press release that schools like Redwood High "create a culture of learning for and provide educational continuity for students whose lives have been challenged."

As California and the nation begins entering a global economy, O'Connell said these schools are integral in helping students earn a high school diploma, a path students might not have considered pursuing had they continued on a traditional academic track. The 2005 census reported a $9,634 disparity in average annual income between high school graduates versus dropouts.

Principal Frank Wells said the Redwood High community is "honored by this recognition from the state. Today's announcement is recognition for the exceptional work of the entire Redwood High team."

He added, "As we work to create a community in which learners develop skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in work and college, we also support students in taking responsibility for themselves and their community as part of the process of emotional growth and achievement of self-understanding."

In 2011, Redwood High plans to add another classroom that will pull approximately four students from each of the other schools in the district.

Sequoia Union High School District Superintendent James Lianides said in a press release that he was pleased to learn that state had recognized the Redwood High School staff and exemplary educational program offered at the school.

Sequoia Union High School District representatives were unavailable for further comment because of the winter vacation.

Redwood High School is the continuation high school in Redwood City that works in conjunction with the other four high schools in the district. It offers classes for students behind in their credits to ensure that they graduate on time. At the school, teachers provide a more tailored education with the understanding that not all students learn the same way.

From 2000 to 2005, it was also named a State of California Model Continuation High School, according to their website.

In addition to tailored academics, Redwood High offers alternative programs that allow students to develop interests and passions. Redwood offers gardens, workshops, laboratories and field research opportunities that help to successfully engage and motivate students, according to Wells.  Partnerships and collaborations with Job Train, San Mateo County Workforce Development, Silicon Valley Foundation, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and others have further enhanced the Redwood High educational experience.

The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a partnership of the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA). The goal of the partnership is to identify and recognize outstanding programs and create a resource list of quality programs for school visitations and for other continuation high schools to emulate.

Thirty-five schools applied for the recognition and 33 were approved for site visits. A review team visited the schools and recommended 27 for model school status.

To be eligible for the recognition, applicants must be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and demonstrate exemplary program effectiveness in school management, curriculum, instructional strategies, educational climate, and guidance and counseling. As part of the application for recognition, parents, students, and community members were required to submit written statements supporting their respective schools.

The selected schools retain their title for three years and must submit an annual assurance of compliance with model school guidelines in order to maintain the designation. With the addition of the new Model Continuation High Schools this year, there is a total of 53 Model Continuation High Schools in the state.

For information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/eo/ce/.