California Continuation Education Association Document

Title:  Letter To Assembly Members re: AB 2634 Funding

Author:  CCEA

Date:  March 28, 2000

Copy the text below into a letter on your word processor, modify it as necessary, and send it to your local Assembly Member.

(Insert the date here)

Dear Assembly Member (Insert the Assembly Member's Name Here),

I am writing to urge that the 2000-01 State Budget for K-12 Education be augmented by $15 million to fund the equalization and program improvement components of AB 2634 (Calderon).  This funding would address a critical emerging need at the secondary level.

As the state moves to implement the High School Exit Exam, many students will need the additional course work and flexibility that is available through continuation high schools.  Unfortunately, the quality of continuation high schools has been allowed to erode due to the lack of adequate funding.  AB 2634 would equalize funding for continuation high schools and would link such funding to three key quality components:

1. Class sizes no larger than 20 to 1 FTE enrolled.

2. Offering at least 6 hours per day of instruction.

3. A strong counseling component.

It is vitally important that we improve the quality of continuation high schools in anticipation of the impact of the High School Exit Exam and other high school reform efforts.  I urge you to include this funding in the budget.

Sincerely,

(Insert your name and title here)