Last updated: September 22, 2020
Published: August 31, 2020

Dear friends and colleagues,

Due to recent COVID-19 State and Federal mandates, and for the safety of our members and attendees, the 2020 Conference has been postponed to the weekend of April 15 – 18, 2021, at the same location, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.

2020 Conference postponed to April 2021

In this exciting “double” Conference, we will honor both our 2020 Model Schools and our upcoming 2021 Model Schools at the evening Gala on Friday, April 16th. To celebrate the combination of two years of schools and professionals, we’ve booked the historic Midway aircraft carrier for a gigantic dinner celebration on the water.

Two years of Professional awards and Exemplary programs will be presented at the Awards luncheon on Saturday, April 17th, in the Harbor Island Ballroom. The Conference workshops, speakers, presentations and programs will still be a part of a packed weekend of events during the new dates, and everyone will have the ability to participate safely. Event details and registration

All purchases credited to the 2021 Conference automatically

All registrations, tickets and tables purchased in 2020 will be honored and credited automatically for the new dates, with no further action needed. There will be no increase or change in cost to those that have pre-paid, including the awards celebrations and meals. If previously registered for the Conference, you will receive an all-access badge to the 2021 dates.

Visit the new Conference page (coming soon) for more details about re-booking hotel reservations, the tentative schedule, nominations for the upcoming 2021 awards, and more as it is announced.

New to CCEA Plus: Community Day Schools

In our efforts to expand support for alternative education in California, CCEA Plus now supports and advocates for Community Day Schools. We’ll be developing new programs, content and professional development for the 2020-2021 school year: Become a member

Become a 2021 Model School: submit intent by Oct. 15th

The Model School application process will continue during 2020 with a revised deadline schedule, per CDE. To become a 2021 Model School, please submit your “intent to submit” survey by October 15, 2020. The new application schedule and forms for prospective applicants are up now with an instructional webinar.

Be safe and healthy,
Jerry Abrica, President
On behalf of the CCEA Plus Board

Want to Get Involved?

Find ways to support CCEA Plus:

Become a member — join us as a professional member, or have your school join together as a group. CCEA Plus now supports both continuation schools, as well as community day schools.

Join a committee — we are organizing into new committees for this school year to run events and support programs. Send us a message if you are interested in participating.

Donate today — as an educational nonprofit, we count on our members and affiliates to fund our programs that support and advocate for alternative education. Please consider giving to CCEA Plus!

The post COVID-19 Update for September 2020 appeared first on CCEA Plus - California Continuation Education Association Plus.

September 16-19, 2021 @ San Diego, CA

“Making a Difference Together”

Click to download flyer for print (PDF)

We’re proud to announce the CCEA Plus 2021 State Conference in San Diego on the weekend of September 16-19. We’ll be honoring Model Schools and awardees from both 2020 and 2021 in person, and featuring three amazing days of workshops, seminars, student art shows, and celebrations overlooking the ocean. Join our Alt. Ed. community of educators, administrators, friends and family for this long-awaited chance to gather again! Both continuation and community day schools are invited to this event with new programming. Register and pay online before August 17th and get $40 off!*

Hosted at:

Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina 
1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | View Map
Booking link for group block (online reservations recommended for the discounted price) — Attendees may also contact the hotel Reservation’s Center at 1-888-236-2427: ask for the CCEA Plus room rate (limited Wednesday, open Thursday-Sunday). Room block reservations may be limited past a certain date. General venue phone: (619) 291-2900 | About Venue

Already an active member?  Register CCEA Member 
Sign up multiple attendees in one purchase:  Group Registration
Questions?  Start here:  Frequently Asked Questions

Conference Registration

For those that cannot attend in person, we are currently planning to record the Gala and some individual workshops, which should be available to view online after the events — more about this TBA.

Standard Registration (Non-Active Member) — $539 | $499 online only (before 8/17/21)
Full 3-day Conference registration | Includes 6 meals and all event access
Includes CCEA Professional membership (required with purchase)

Active Member — $489 | $449 online only (before 8/17/21)
Full 3-day Conference registration | Includes 6 meals and all event access

Retired Active Member — $199 online only
Full 3-day Conference registration | Includes 6 meals and all event access 
Please contact us for this special pricing

Conference Add-ons

Friday Model School Visit, Bus Trip (9am-12pm) — $25.00 | Sign Up for Trip

Friday Model Schools Gala Dinner Tickets — $95.00 | Purchase Tickets
Saturday Professional Awards Lunch — $50.00 | Purchase Tickets

Tables for 10 Friday Model Schools Gala Dinner — $875.00 | Purchase Tables
Tables for 10 Saturday Professional Awards Lunch — $400.00 | Purchase Tables

Vendor Display Tables Each — $510.00 and up | Purchase Vendor Package / Options
Includes one-year Professional Membership (*required)

To purchase add-on options:  visit the main registration page and add each additional option to your cart.  You can reserve more tables, tickets, and displays using the “quantity” box just above the “Add to cart” button.

Important Event Notes

Membership Required: CCEA Plus membership is required for all Conference attendees and presenters. Active members can register online for a discounted price; this discount is only available for online registration, through the member’s account login.

Confirmation: payment is required in advance of the event for all attendees and dinner guests, in order to process badges, meals and seminars (best by Sept. 1st in time for badge printing). Online registration provides immediate confirmation and an email receipt, with payment options including credit card, PayPal and Check (debit/withdrawal). Online registration is the preferred method for the 2021 Conference.

Group Registration: if you are purchasing for a group of attendees, our Group Registration allows you to easily register a number of attendees in one purchase.

2020 and April 2021 Conference Purchases: all 2020 and 2021 Conference purchases and registrations will be honored and automatically carried over to the 2021 Conference. There will be no increase or change in cost to those that have pre-paid for 2020, including the awards celebrations and meals. If previously registered for the 2020 Conference, you will receive an all-access badge to the 2021 dates at the venue Check-in.

Meals Included: all Conference registrations include 6 meals, listed below. Each Conference registration includes dinner for the attendee at the Friday Awards Gala. If you plan to bring a guest to the Awards dinner, please purchase an Extra Dinner Ticket.

• Breakfasts: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Lunches: Friday, Saturday (Awards lunch Sept. 18th)
• Dinner: Friday (Gala dinner Sept. 17th)

Accommodations: hotel accommodations are not included in Conference registration. Please arrange separately. We have a special group rate block of rooms setup with the Sheraton San Diego. Booking link for group block — available dates include Wednesday (limited), and Thursday-Sunday (open). Attendees may also contact the hotel Reservation’s Center at 1-888-236-2427 (ask for the CCEA Plus room rate). Room block reservations may have limitations past a certain date. Please note that all 2020 and April 2021 reservations have been canceled by the hotel, and guests need to make new reservations. For credit card authorization forms, you may request one by contacting reservations@sheratonsandiegohotel.com (must be returned a minimum of 3 days prior to arrival date). Online booking is strongly recommended by the hotel for ease and convenience. Group block rooms are available while supplies last, and rates may vary over time.

Refunds and Transfers: we do not offer refunds on registrations or memberships, and cannot permit switching registrations for another person after orders are received. Billing policy (no refunds or transfers)

Once Registered: once paid, you are confirmed. Registered attendees can swing by Check-in at the Conference hotel venue and pick up their badges. Dinner guests do not need tickets, seats will be set aside for them. Advanced payment is sufficient, best before August 26th for personalized badge printing.

Topics, Tentative Agenda and Keynote Speaker

Keynote: Jack O’Connell is a former Calif State Superintendent of Education. He is also a partner with Barrett with Capital Advisors Group, an educational lobbyist group. Distinguished speakers include Jenny Singh and Betty Miura, CDE Accountability Administrators.

About the Conference: This is the one conference of the year that focuses solely on the needs of continuation and community day schools. Come and hear about best practices from school educators from around the state. Topics will range from curriculum to climate, building hope with our students to taking care of our staffs. We’ll have experts from the California Department of Education to answer your questions about the DASS. In addition to the workshops and keynote speakers, we have found that attendees value the opportunity to meet and share ideas with our colleagues from continuation schools throughout California. We can learn best practices and new approaches to issues, and we can share our ideas with others. The conference is valuable for anyone who works in a continuation school setting. Administrators, teachers, counselors, and classified staff all find relevant, “ready to implement” strategies for the classroom and school. DASS SEL innovative practices in alternative education and more!

Agenda: Tentative Schedule — early check-in starts Thursday, September 16th at 5pm. Registration, buffet breakfast and activities start early Friday morning with the Gala dinner in the evening (Sept. 17th); then all day Saturday with the Professional Awards lunch at 11:45AM; and the Conference goes to around midday on Sunday (Sept. 19th).  Find the latest schedule of events, breakout sessions, presentations and announcements in the Conference “Sched” app. Download the presenter and events schedule full 2021 Conference Program as a PDF, up to date only to 9/16/21.

Awards, Gala and Opportunities

Model Schools Awards Gala: Friday, Sept. 17th — the dinner will be held aboard the historic USS Midway aircraft carrier on the water. Transportation is provided to and from the hotel venue at no extra charge. At the Gala dinner, newly-selected Model Schools from both 2020 and 2021 will be awarded and recognized. Attire is evening casual. Tentative schedule: busing from the hotel to the Midway starts at 5:45pm; President’s reception starts 6:30pm; dinner at 7pm. See more photos of this amazing venue. Address: 910 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101. Venue phone: 619-544-9600. Professional awards and exemplary programs will be presented on Sept. 18th (see below). Get tickets

Exemplary Programs and Professional Awards Lunch: submit your nominee or program in advance of the Conference anytime until the March 15, 2021 deadline. Awards include Exemplary Programs, Superintendent of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Counselor or Support Person of the Year, and our Student Essay winners. Exemplary Programs will be featured; there will be no Roundtable Showcase. Professional awards and the exemplary programs showcase will be presented at the Saturday Awards lunch, Sept. 18, from 11:45 – 1:45PM @ Harbor Island Ballroom, Sheraton San Diego (the Conference venue). Lunch with keynote speaker Jack O’Connell, including awards for personnel, essays, art, Region Basket, Vendor’s Raffle/Auction Prizes. Both awards from 2020 and 2021 will be featured. Make an Award Nomination

Call for Presenters: if you are interested in joining us as a speaker, presenter, or have a seminar in mind for the Conference, please Apply here. We are always seeking content area speakers and exemplary programs to share with our attendees.

Model School Visit: you may sign up for a spot on the Model School Visit bus trip during the 2021 Conference. Date: Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. Transportation to and from the Conference venue is provided in the fee. Pickup will be at the Conference hotel venue at 9am, with the visit 9am-12pm. Updates will be provided using the “Sched” app that will come out shortly before the Conference weekend.

Student Design Contest: the Conference program’s cover art was selected in 2020, and will be presented on the 2021 brochure cover. The contest is currently closed, and no longer accepting entries.

Student Essay Contest: enter your top student’s essay. Each school may submit up to two essays, one from a Senior and one from a Junior. The top six essays will be recognized. The top three will receive awards and featured recognition at our annual CCEA Plus conference. Learn more

To Pay by Purchase Order or by Check:

Purchase orders (PO) and checks are still accepted for 2021, however, we require our online order form to be completed in advance.  *Discounted pricing is not available for purchase orders or offline payments.

Each registration is $539 per person using this method. Fee applies. Registrations can only be processed once actual payment is received (required in advance of event). Active members can only receive member discounts online.

About the Venue

“Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina dazzles guests with waterfront views, sophisticated accommodations and four-star amenities. Benefiting from an excellent location on Harbor Island, our resort places the best of San Diego nearby; enjoy proximity to downtown, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo and Petco Park. Arrive via a complimentary shuttle from San Diego International Airport and refresh in our light-filled accommodations, each featuring its own private balcony or patio, plus signature Sheraton amenities.”

The post CCEA Plus Conference 2021 appeared first on CCEA Plus - California Continuation Education Association Plus.

Effective June 11, 2018, Scott Braden will assume the role of CCEA President.

Tony Munguia, the organization’s recently elected President, resigned his position due to unforeseen circumstances.  His dedication to CCEA over the years has been significant and meaningful, with his previous tenure as as an Officer (as State Secretary) and his establishment of the new CCEA Twitter account — @CCEAeducation.  Share a post or send a message to Tony anytime.

Scott Braden, CCEA’s recently elected Vice President, becomes the organization’s President, by affirmation of the board.  Scott is currently Principal at Citrus High School in Porterville, CA.

We look forward to a smooth transition, and the continuing support of all our members and officers!  We’ll begin announcing our plans for the upcoming Model School program, and the new school year soon.

Update 6/21/18:  per the Board’s decision, Daniel Barajas will assume the role of Vice President.

The post Important News: Officer Update appeared first on CCEA Plus - California Continuation Education Association Plus.

Continuation education is a high school diploma program designed to meet the needs of students 16-18 years old who have not graduated from high school, are not exempt from compulsory school attendance, and are deemed at risk of not completing their education. Students enrolled in continuation schools are often credit deficient, need flexibility in their educational program because of work or family obligations, or are simply not able to function in a large comprehensive school.

The continuation high school serves as our education system’s dropout prevention program. For many students, it is a second chance and safety net to help them complete their high school graduation requirements and earn a diploma.

Ineffective teachers and administrators used to be – and sometimes still are – assigned to continuation schools. The problem with this scenario is that the students they serve are not the self-motivated students who know their paths and just need us adults to help them through the educational bureaucracy.

Clearly, most continuation students need extra academic support and adults who genuinely care – adults who have behavior management skills and an understanding of non-academic learning barriers. An understanding of youth development, grit and resilience is also necessary in the continuation environment.

Continuation Schools, LCFF and LCAP

There can be a belief that the continuation high school simply “babysits” students until they graduate or become exempt from compulsory education at age 18 and drop out. That is, until now.

Under the Local Control Funding Formula, all districts receive base funding allocated by grade span. In addition, districts will receive supplemental funding that amounts to an additional 20 percent of the base grant for an unduplicated count of low-income, EL and foster youth. If these students amount to more than 55 percent of the district enrollment, the districts will receive an additional 50 percent of the base grant for those students.

Continuation schools should receive some of these resources to support these targeted sub-groups. For example, in 2013-14, one large school district in southern California had 47 percent of its students designated as low income, EL and foster youth. The population of the district’s continuation education program accounted for 69 percent of the district’s low income, EL and foster youth population.

The Changing Face

There has been a change at continuation schools, where school leaders and staff now genuinely want to work with these students and are transforming their lives. School districts need to allow principals to hire teachers and support staff members they believe will fit in the school community. School districts should also provide access to specialized professional development through regional districts of the California Continuation Education Association (cceanet.org).

Of the 520 continuation schools in California, 62 – or 12 percent – are Model Continuation Schools. These schools are fantastic resources and are listed on the California Department of Education website.

Continuation schools should strive to achieve six-year accreditation designations through WASC and apply for California Model Continuation School designation. These activities require a lot of work; however, the payoff is invaluable.

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