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 2022-2023, sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Quick links: Timeline | Application Forms | Designation Period | Webinar Info | Invitation Letter | Pay Fee
Intent to Submit Deadline: September 16, 2022
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. 16, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Submission of the survey does not obligate the principal to submit an application.
Intent to Submit SurveyApplication Deadline: September 23, 2022
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 23, 2022. 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
April 4, 2022 — Applications available to the field.
April 27, 2022 — Application Webinar.
September 16, 2022 — Intent to Submit Survey to be completed.
September 23, 2022 — Applications due.
October 6 – 7, 2022 — Northern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 13 – 14, 2022 — Southern Applications reviewed and rated.
October 17, 2022 – December 16, 2022 — Site Validation Visits.
November 15, 2022 — Application fees due (click link to make payment).
December 15, 2022 — District Audit Reports due.
February 7, 2023 — Schools notified.
April / May 2023 — 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 16, 2022, at 4 p.m.
Model School Application 2022-2023:
Model School Application 2022-2023 | 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):
2021 MCHSs | PDF Version — created 3/21/222020 MCHSs | PDF Version — revised 3/21/22
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 (see the table below). This form certifies that the school meets or exceeds the MCHS Recognition Program standards. Links to Annual Assurance of Services Forms for current MCHSs are provided above. Due to current working conditions related to COVID-19, forms may include either an electronic signature or typed name and must be submitted to Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by email at CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov.
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 2022–23 Model School Application above. You can also see all current Model Schools here.
Webinar Information
Webinar Held – April 27, 2022:
Held: Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Topic: 2022–23 MCHS Application
Webinar Information: The webinar held on April 27th provided an overview of the 2022–23 MCHS Application, how to complete the application, and the application review and submission process. The link below is for the Accessible, Section 508 Compliant Version of the PowerPoint that was shared during the webinar, along with a PDF version of the presentation.
Presentation Slides
MCHS Recognition Program Webinar Slides, PowerPoint (PPTX)
MCHS Recognition Program Webinar Slides (PDF)
About the PowerPoint: 2022-23 Model Continuation High School Recognition Program Webinar PowerPoint. Author: Dan Sackheim (California Department of Education)
Other Notes from CDE
From CDE, after the webinar: “We hosted the webinar for the 2022–23 Model Continuation High School (MCHS) Recognition Program this morning. The link for the PowerPoint used during the webinar has been added to the MCHS Recognition Program web page.
From CDE, before the webinar: “A webinar for prospective applicants is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. 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. It will point out items that have disqualified applicants in previous years and will address as many questions as possible submitted during the webinar.”
Find Model Schools program updates and info at CDE.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 and other forms of peer mentoring. 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 2022–23. 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 16, 2022, 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 MCHS Model School Recognition Program web page. The packet includes instructions for completing the application and required forms, reference materials, and instructions for submitting the application via the CDE exFiles Transfer System. Applications are due to the CDE by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022.
In addition, the CDE will be hosting a webinar, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 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 (please note: the 2023 Conference will be announced in the fall of 2022).
If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact Dan Sackheim, Education Programs Consultant, Educational Options Office, by phone at 916-323-2183 or by email at CONTINUATIONEDUC@cde.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Mary Nicely
Chief Deputy Superintendent
Important Dates to Remember
- A webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) for prospective applicants.
- The Intent to Submit online form must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022.
- A single PDF of the completed application must be submitted to the CDE via the exFiles Transfer System. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022.