California Task Force on Alternative Education
Established by the California Department of Education (CDE) in 2017, the California Advisory Task Force on Alternative Education is convened by the Gardner Center and includes members from schools, school districts, government agencies, and nonprofits across the state.
This goal of this group has been to advise the CDE about developing a robust accountability system that incentivizes school improvement and promotes better outcomes for youth in alternative school settings.
The challenge
The alternative school system in California is a critical education pathway to ensure that vulnerable youth can have the bright futures they deserve.
However, these schools have historically lacked clear, long-term objectives and even relevant, short-term performance expectations, hindering school leaders in their efforts to support students.
The solution
In September 2020, the Task Force issued a report focusing on the development of an accountability dashboard for schools that have been designated as alternative schools.
The resulting Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) program has already been implemented and has enabled the Gardner Center to gather and publish the first comprehensive data about alternative schools in over a decade.
Subsequently, the Task Force has worked with the Association of California School Administrators to develop and promote standards for student placement and induction into alternative public schools and charter schools.
Key takeaways
With standard benchmarks for success in place, California’s alternative schools are better positioned to:
Support student academic achievement
Prepare students for postsecondary education and careers
Advocate for more resources
