Apply to Become a Model School
We invite all continuation high schools in the state to submit an application to become a “Model School” for 2021-2022, sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Quick links: Timeline | Application Forms | Webinar Info | Designation Period | Invitation Letter | Pay Fee
Intent to Submit Deadline: September 17, 2021
Principals who intend to submit an application must complete the MCHS Application “Intent to Submit” Survey online here. The survey will close on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Submission of the survey does not obligate the principal to submit an application.
Intent to Submit SurveyApplication Deadline: September 24, 2021
Applications must be submitted to the CDE electronically as a single PDF via the CDE exFiles File Transfer System (see application for specific instructions). Applications must be received by no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021. Please note: late and/or incomplete submissions of the MCHS application will result in disqualification from the reading process.
Program Contact: Dan Sackheim, Educational Options Office, CDE
Email: CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov
Phone: 916-445-5595
Timeline
May 20, 2021 — Applications available to the field.
May 26, 2021 — Application webinar #1.
July 23, 2021 — Application webinar #2.
September 17, 2021 — Intent to Submit Survey to be completed.
September 24, 2021 — Applications due.
October 7 – 8, 2021 — Northern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 14 – 15, 2021 — Southern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 18, 2021 – December 17, 2021 — Site Validation Visits.
November 15, 2021 — Application fees due (click link to make payment).
December 15, 2021 — District Audit Reports due.
February 8, 2022 — Schools notified.
April / May 2022 — Awards ceremony.
Please note: it is strongly recommended that all schools process payments online rather than by mail to meet the deadline. You can now pay the Model School Applicant School Review and Evaluation fee online here.
Application Forms | Downloads
Invitation Letter — Letter inviting principals of continuation high schools to apply.
Intent to Submit — Online form will close on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 4 p.m.
Model School Application 2021-2022:
Model School Application 2021-2022 | PDF Version | Word DocAttachment A – Application Cover Sheet | PDF Version — either a wet signature or electronic signature will be accepted.
Attachment B – School Information Sheet | PDF Version
Attachment C – Certification Form | PDF Version — either a wet signature or electronic signature will be accepted.
Attachment D – Glossary | PDF Version
Attachment E – Quality Indicators (Self-Evaluation) | PDF Version
Attachment F – Exemplary Components Checklist | PDF Version
Attachment G – Application Checklist | PDF Version
Annual Assurance of Services Forms for Current Model Schools (MCHSs):
2020 MCHSs | PDF Version — revised 3/22/212019 MCHSs | PDF Version — revised 3/22/21
Alternately, you can download the latest application forms at CDE.
Note: Schools selected as MCHSs are required to submit an Annual Assurance of Services Form to the CDE by June 30 for each of the second and third years of designation. This form certifies that the school meets or exceeds the MCHS Recognition Program standards. Download the Annual Assurance of Services Forms for current MCHSs above. Due to current working conditions related to COVID-19, forms may include either wet or electronic signatures and may also be submitted to Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by email at CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov.
Webinar Information
Webinar #2 – July 23, 2021:
From CDE: “The second webinar held on July 23, 2021, provided an overview of the 2021-22 MCHS Application, how to complete the application, and the application review process. A recording of the webinar will be provided at a later date. The link below is for the Accessible, Section 508 Compliant Version of the PowerPoint that was shared during the webinar.”
Webinar Presentation Slides: Download PowerPoint version | Download PDF version
The recording from the webinar is still under review and will hopefully be made available on the aforementioned web pages soon. Please remember that applications must be uploaded into the CDE exFiles File Transfer System by 4 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021, as a single PDF document. See pp. 4–5 of the 2021–22 MCHS Application for instructions regarding naming your PDF document and uploading your PDF document to the CDE exFiles File Transfer System. The Intent to Submit online form must be submitted to the CDE by 4 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021. You may complete the Intent to Submit form online.
Webinar #1 – May 26, 2021:
From the CDE website: “The webinar held on May 26, 2021, provided an overview of the 2021-22 MCHS Application, how to complete the application, and the application review process. The link below is for the Accessible, Section 508 Compliant Version of the PowerPoint that was shared during the webinar.”
Webinar Presentation Slides: Download PowerPoint version | Download PDF version
Find these Model Schools program links and info at CDE.Designation Period for Current Model Continuation High Schools
To verify the designation period for current model schools (MCHSs), see below.
To avoid a gap period in your school’s MCHS designation status, current MCHSs would need to submit a new MCHS Recognition Program Application consistent with the “Program Year to Reapply to Avoid Gap Period” column in the table above.
A list of current MCHSs is available as part of the 2020–21 Model School Application above. You can also see all current Model Schools here.
Invitation Letter
Dear Continuation Education High School Principals:
I invite you to participate in the Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE) in collaboration with the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus).
The MCHS Recognition Program identifies and recognizes outstanding continuation high schools and creates a resource list for school visits. These model schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.
Please review the eligibility criteria for the MCHS Recognition Program for 2021–22. Principals who intend to submit an application must complete the Intent to Submit form online in order to be considered for model school status. The online form will close on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. Submission of the online form does not obligate the principal to submit an application.
The self-nomination application packet is available on the CDE MCHS Recognition Program web page and on the CCEA Plus Model School web page. The packet includes instructions for completing the application and required forms, reference materials, and instructions for submitting the application via the CDE exFile Transfer System. Applications are due to the CDE by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021.
The timeline for the 2021–22 program year has been adjusted to accommodate the interruption of school schedules as a result of the coronavirus. In addition, the CDE will be hosting a webinar, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, for prospective applicants. Any principal interested in applying may participate or whomever they appoint to attend in their place. The webinar will provide information regarding the application and the application process. To sign up for the webinar and receive the required login information, check for scheduling and details on the CDE MCHS Recognition Program web page.
Successful applicants will be identified through an application evaluation and site visit process. As in previous years, we will recognize and present awards to successful MCHS Recognition Program applicants at the annual CCEA Plus State Conference.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by phone at 916-445-5595 or by email at CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Gregson, Ed.D.
Chief Deputy Superintendent
CDE Letter dated: May 17, 2021, updated
CDE Letter updated: May 20, 2021
Last updated: August 19, 2021