Oak View continuation high school receives top California honor
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers THEY'VE GOT CLASS- Teacher Susan Allen and students from the Careers Class at Oak View High School show off a Ventura Board of Supervisors document honoring the school for becoming a California Model Continuation High School.

Oak View High School in Oak Park has received recognition once again as a top continuation high school in California.

It's the second time in six years Oak View earned the distinction, which is awarded by the state Department of Education. The honor came after a thorough application process that included an oncampus visit by a team of principals from other continuation high schools.

"My dedicated teachers and staff really value the students," Oak View Principal Lou Tabone said. "We monitor and adjust our program every day to meet the needs of the students."

Only 12 other continuation high schools received the award this year. There are 581 continuation high schools in California serving 68,000 students, according to Dennis Fisher, a continuing education program consultant for the state.

"This is a rigorous process. These are very good schools," Fisher said.

Applicant schools must show how they retain students and encourage them to graduate. The criteria include 30 requirements such as individualized student learning plans, small class sizes and high academic expectations. Schools must be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Fifty-one at-risk students attend Oak View where they enjoy smaller class sizes and more individual attention than at the comprehensive high school, Tabone said. They are identified as atrisk if they are behind in credits, lacking motivation or study skills and in danger of not graduating from high school.

The review of Oak View indicated "a deep dedication to ensuring the success of each and every child; a strong relationship with OPHS; attention to self-esteem building; exceptional communication with parents; a wellmaintained campus, and outstanding leadership from the principal and teachers."

"Clearly, the superintendent and school board are supportive of Oak View," Fisher said.

Some Oak View students go on to college; some become entrepreneurs, starting their own businesses. Others take entry level jobs in banking and other fields.

"One of our graduates was just selected to be a new patrolman for the Santa Monica Police Department, " Tabone said.

The continuation high school program was established in California in 1919 as an educational option for children from agricultural workers who had to help their parents in the fields, according to Fisher.

Through the model school program education officials hope to encourage other continuation schools to improve and become model schools themselves. School staff members are encouraged to visit other successful continuation schools for ideas.

"Other continuation schools need work- - they don't all operate like model schools," Fisher said.

Oak View receives visits from staff of other continuation high schools. Tabone plans to visit a new continuation school in Thousand Oaks, the only other Conejo Valley continuation school that earned the model school honor.

"We're proud of the quality program we have with promising practices other continuation schools can emulate," Tabone said.