Pasquale G. Catanzarite

Dissertation Abstract

A Study of the Quality Indicators Used by the
California State Department of Education for the Model
Continuation High School Program

The problem for this study was to investigate how continuation teachers, principals, and superintendents perceive the California State Department of Education (CSDE) quality indicators for continuation schools. More specifically, the problem was to determine what should be in a model continuation high school. The problem also included determining which of the quality indicators were currently being implemented in continuation high schools.

Methodology: Data were obtained from a review of related literature and through the use of a questionnaire. Surveyed were 364 randomly selected participants from sixty-six continuation high schools in California.

Conclusions: (1) That some of the Quality Indicators for Model Continuation High Schools are considered to be of high value, while others are considered to be of little or no value, in identifying a model continuation high school by the population studied. (2) That some of the Quality Indicators that were considered to be highly valuable are not consistently implemented in the continuation high schools throughout the state. (3) That some of the Quality Indicators that are considered to be of little or no value are consistently implemented in the continuation high schools throughout the state. (4) That the population studied felt that strong, positive leadership provided by the principal was the most important quality indicator. (5) That the small continuation high schools and superintendents value some of the quality indicators differently than the other groups. (6) That further study in this area is needed.

Recommendations: It was recommended that: (1) the CSDE re-evaluate the quality indicators used in the Model Continuation High School Program and include only those quality indicators considered valuable by professionals in the field. (2) The California Continuation Education Association take a leadership role in providing a more valued list of quality indicators to the CSDE. (3) A new study be implemented which is narrower in scope. (4) Some random case studies be undertaken to take a closer look at the actual day to day operation of the model continuation high schools.