AREA CHARTER SCHOOLS OUTRANK MOST

OF STATE’S TOP CONTINUATION SCHOOLS

Options for Youth and Opportunities for Learning Charter Schools Excel in Serving California’s At-Risk Minority and Low-Income Students

PASADENA, Calif. (March 20, 2007) – Two independent study charter schools today announced test scores that not only compare favorably, but also outrank, most of the top continuation schools cited by the state as model programs serving California’s at-risk students.

The eight programs – run by Options for Youth (OFY) and Opportunities for Learning (OFL) charter schools – ranked higher than all but three “model” continuation schools in terms of 2006 Academic Performance Index (API) growth. Jack O’Connell, California’s Superintendent for Public Instruction, recently issued a news release listing 13 “exemplary” continuation schools focusing on at-risk students.

“We are thrilled, but not surprised, that our academic performance is on par with and often superior than most comparable schools in the state,” said Tom Goodman, Superintendent for both OFL and OFY. “We’ve been doing this for more than two decades, and have a track record with tens of thousands of students.”

Goodman said the API and other state test scores are not aberrations, but rather the latest in a pattern of success demonstrated over several years. “It important to note our test enrollment numbers are higher than most of the schools on his list,” he said.

In a letter to Superintendent O’Connell’s policy development branch within the California Department of Education, the two charter schools invited the state to explore with them the opportunity for constructive discussions about jointly tackling the dropout crisis in the state.

“We believe we can assist you in this effort given our focused experience and track record in the field of dropout recovery and prevention,” the letter said. As further testimony to the performance and effectiveness of the schools’ programs, seven of the eight charters have received renewals from their authorizing public school districts; the eighth is in the process of being approved.

OFL also recently received approval for a new charter to meet the unique needs of Los Angeles-area homeless and other at-risk students.

“Despite any current differences with the state about our schools’ funding determinations, especially as they relate to FTE calculations, a subject currently being addressed through the courts, we would like to extend an offer to meet with you,” the letter said. “We would welcome the opportunity to share our experience and proven methodologies in preventing and in recovering students who have failed in traditional school programs.”

John and Joan Hall, both educators and co-founders of the two independent study charter school programs, have dedicated their professional lives to programs developed specifically to serve California’s most at-risk student population – those who are primarily low-income, Hispanic, African American or other ethnic-minorities in danger of dropping out of school and society.

“We would welcome the chance to work with Superintendent O’Connell and the Department to advance solutions designed to meet the enormous needs of California’s at-risk students,” Goodman said. “It is our belief that our mutual resources and desire to address this problem transcend any differences we might have over administrative matters.”

About Options for Youth: OFY was founded in 1987 to provide quality educational services to thousands of at-risk students, primarily ethnic minority and low-income teenagers, pursuing academic recovery so that they can stay in school, continue their education, and earn high school diplomas. Changes in society, in the family unit and in the workplace have spurred the need for and growth of innovative instructional programs such as charter schools to meet the diverse educational needs and lifestyles of students, particularly in urban centers. For more information: www.ofy.org

About Opportunities for Learning Charter Schools: OFL is the operating name of three independent, WASC accredited charter schools with 26 learning centers located throughout Southern California. OFL and its sister organization, Options for Youth Charter Schools, currently serve more than 25,000 students each year; thousands more are on waiting lists. Established by lifelong teachers and educators, John and Joan Hall in 1999, OFL began serving at-risk students who dropped out or were at risk of dropping out of school. Over time, it has expanded its focus to become an innovator in the development of educational options, curriculum, programs and administrative services tailored to the needs of independent study and designed to expand opportunities for at-risk students. For more information: www.emsofl.com