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Magnet Programs and Schools
In 2005-06 magnet programs were offered in 519 schools throughout California for
197,847 students. Magnets are programs in schools or an entire school that students
and parents and guardians may choose instead of attending their local school. Many,
but not all, magnet programs reflect a district strategy to achieve racial and ethnic
balance by offering special opportunities in curriculum and instruction, generally with the
benefit of federal funding.
Diploma Plus High Schools
Diploma Plus high schools are based on an alternative/small school model designed
and administered by the Center for Youth Development and Education at the
Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp). The CommCorp has successfully managed
the development of sixteen Diploma Plus high schools in four states. A Gates
Foundation grant awarded to CommCorp supports the addition of three to five Diploma
Plus high schools in California.
The CommCorp, New Ways to Work, and California Department of Education are
working together to expand the Diploma Plus model in California. A formal application
process, conducted from fall 2005 through June 2006, resulted in the selection of the
first two Diploma Plus high schools. These schools are in the planning grant phase and
will open their doors in September 2007. The second application process will begin in
November 2006 with selection of two more schools occurring in June 2007. These
schools will open in September 2008.
Diploma Plus high schools are public schools that offer high school diplomas and
comply with all graduation requirements set forth in the California Education Code,
including passing the California High School Exit Examination. These schools serve
youth ages 15 through 19 who have not experienced success in the traditional high
school setting. These youth may have dropped out and want to reenter school or may
still be enrolled and underachieving. The Diploma Plus model provides these students
with two to four or more years of education service, depending on their individual needs,
and improves academic rigor as well as the transition to postsecondary opportunities.
Students gain strong academic and life skills, valuable work experience, and college
credits that can be applied to a future college degree.
Community Day Schools
Community day schools (CDSs) are operated by school districts and county offices of
education. CDSs serve mandatorily and other expelled students, students referred by a
School Attendance Review Board, and other high-risk youth. CDSs are expected to
operate in an environment of high-level expectations from staff and students. The 360­
minute minimum instructional day includes academic programs that provide challenging
curriculum, individual attention to student learning modalities and abilities, and schoolto-career
and other “real world” connections. CDS programs also focus on the
development of prosocial skills and student self-esteem and resiliency. CDSs are
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