March 29, 2024

FAIRFIELD — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced the Travis Education Center is one of 36 schools in the state recognized as a Model Continuation High School for 2022.

“These model schools provide invaluable resources and academic opportunities to our high-needs students, who often are dealing with difficult life events,” Thurmond said in a press release. “Students reap the benefits of social and emotional learning, mentorship programs, student wellness and restorative justice practices, among other exemplary methods.”

“The efforts of teachers and administrators at our model continuation high schools provide students with the social support, goal-setting and coping skills that they need to succeed in the academic setting and in their lives after high school,” Thurmond said in the release.

There are more than 430 continuation high schools that serve close to 78,000 students throughout the state. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students ages 16 through 18 who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school and are at risk of not completing their education.

The schools were selected based on a comprehensive application process that included submission of detailed narrative statements describing specific aspects of school operations and how these were exemplary and the use of assessment tools and data to support continuous improvement, according to the press release. The process included a peer review panel and on-site visit.

The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education and the California Continuation Education Association Plus. The program honors continuation high schools for the comprehensive services they provide at-risk youth through instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, guidance and counseling.

The 36 schools selected as model continuation high schools retain their designation for three years and will be recognized May 5-8 at the state conference in Long Beach.

Janelle Preston is the principal at the Travis Education Center, located at 2775 DeRonde Drive in Fairfield.

State recognizes Travis Education Center as model continuation high school