Educational Options Resource Guide

This resource developed by ACSA’s Educational Options Council is meant to provide a one-stop shop for best practices, legal guidance and professional resources to support new and continuing leaders at continuation, independent study, opportunity, community day, juvenile court and online schools. Additionally, school leaders outside of alternative education will find useful information on educational options policy, processes and perceptions that often pertain to serving students on traditional school campuses. It is reviewed and updated annually for accuracy and to reflect legislative changes and new research findings. Collaborate with your district leadership to confirm specific local practices, alignment with board policy and administrative regulations.

Last updated May 1, 2024.

Educational Options General Overview

• CDE Educational Options
• DASS
• Resources for Educational Options Programs
• WASC Small School Guidance
• ACSA Support
  • Contact Your Ed Options Council Regional Representative
  • Email Educational Options President Greg Wohlman

Continuation Schools

• What are Continuation Schools?
  • CDE Overview
• Model Procedures
  • Voluntary Placement Best Practices
  • Involuntary Transfers (CA Ed Code 48432.5)
    • CSBA Sample Board Policy 6184
    • CSBA Sample Administrative Regulation 6184
  • Legal Guidance for Continuation Schools
  • Continuation School Research
  • Professional Organizations
    • California Continuation Education Association Plus
    • National Alternative Education Association
  • Recognition
    • Model Continuation School Application

Independent Study

• What is Independent Study?
  • According to the CDE
  • CDE Resource Quick Guide
  • Course-based vs. Traditional Programs
• Model Procedures
  • CDE Elements of Exemplary Independent Study
  • Master Agreements
    • Elementary/Middle
    • Secondary
  • Legal Guidance for Independent Study
  • Independent Study School Research
  • Professional Organizations
    • California Consortium for Independent Study

Opportunity Education/Opportunity Schools

• What are Opportunity Schools?
  • CDE Overview
  • California School Directory – list of Opportunity Schools
  • Join the Opportunity Education Email list
• Opportunity School, Class and Program Guidelines
• Legal Guidance for Opportunity Schools
• Opportunity School-related Report – Zero Dropouts for California
• Professional Organizations