SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARD
Reported for School Year 2007–08

Published During 2008–09

Executive Summary
Of the School Accountability Report Card, 2007–08

Capistrano Connections Academy School

Address: 1211 Puerta del Sol, Ste. 220, San Clemente, CA, 92673 Phone: (949) 492-9131
Principal: Jonathan Horowitz Grade Span: K–11

This executive summary of the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of school accountability. The data presented in this report are reported for the 2007-08 school year including the School Finances and School Completion data. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should review the entire SARC or contact the school principal or the district office.

About This School

Capistrano Connections Academy (CapoCA) was granted a charter by the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees on June 14, 2004. CapoCA’s first day of school was September 7, 2004. The mission of Capistrano Connections Academy is to leverage 21st century educational resources on behalf of students who need a more personalized approach to learning to maximize these students’ potential and meet the highest performance standards. This mission is accomplished through a uniquely individualized learning program that combines the best in virtual education with very real connections among students, family, teachers, and the community. Every CapoCA student has a Personalized Learning Plan and an entire team of experts (including a parent or other "Learning Coach", a California-certified teacher, and multiple curriculum specialists) committed to the student’s successful fulfillment of that plan. CapoCA is a high-quality, high-tech, high-touch virtual "school without walls" that brings out the best in every student through Personalized Performance Learning. The CapoCA Board has engaged Connections Academy, LLC (CA) to manage the school under the terms of a professional services contract.

OUR MODEL FOR LEARNING:

Personalized Learning...CapoCA is committed to providing individualized instruction for each student. All students go through a placement process to determine the appropriate curriculum based on their academic level. At the beginning of the year, teachers and Learning Coaches develop a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) for each student. This includes opportunities for high school honors and advanced placement classes, gifted program for students in grades 3-8, and special education.

High Quality Teachers...Our professional, full-time, highly qualified, specially trained and certified teachers work individually with students and parents. Teachers review student assignments, assess student performance, customize curriculum, and have bi-weekly parent-teacher conferences.

High-Tech High-Touch...CapoCA is committed to an appropriate mix of technology facilitated learning and off-line activities that include textbooks, novels, and manipulatives.

Electives...In addition to courses in core subject areas (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Geography and Educational Technology/Literacy), students can also take electives including Art, Music, Physical Education, Careers, Fitness and Nutrition, French, Spanish, German, Latin, American Sign Language, Home Life, Journalism, Psychology and Health.

Student Enrollment

GroupPercent
African American 11 %
American Indian or Alaska Native <1%
Asian 5 %
Filipino N/A
Hispanic or Latino 12 %
Pacific Islander N/A
White (not Hispanic) 47 %
Multiple or No Response 24 %
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 36 %
English Learners LT 1%%
Students with Disabilities 8 %
Total Number of students 623

Teachers

IndicatorTeachers
Teachers with full credential 29
Teachers without full credential 0
Teachers Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence 0
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners 0
Total Teacher Misassignments 0

School Facilities

Summary of Most Recent Site Inspection No Issues or needs
Repairs Needed None needed
Corrective Actions Taken or Planned None Needed

Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Core Curriculum AreasPupils Who Lack Textbooks and Instructional Materials
Reading/Language Arts 0%
Mathematics 0%
Science 0%
History-Social Science 0%
Foreign Language 0%
Health 0%
Visual and Performing Arts 0%
Science Lab Equipment (grades 9–12) 0%

School Finances

LevelExpenditures Per Pupil (Unrestricted Sources Only)
School Site $7,195
District N/A
State $5,300

Student Performance

SubjectStudents Proficient and Above on California Standards Tests
Additional Data available at: http://star.cde.ca.gov/star2008/Viewreport.asp
English-Language Arts See Student Performance infomation below
Mathematics
Science
History-Social Science

Academic Progress

IndicatorResult
2008 API Growth Score (from 2008 API Growth Report) 754
Statewide Rank (from 2008 API Base Report) 3
2007–08 Program Improvement Status (PI Year) No

School Completion

IndicatorResult
Graduation Rate N/A

Postsecondary Preparation

MeasuresPercent
Pupils Who Completed a Career Technical Education Program and Earned a High School Diploma N/A
Graduates Who Completed All Courses Required for University of California or California State University Admission N/A

2007–08 School Accountability Report Card Report (SARC)

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC), which is required by law to be published annually, contains information about the condition and performance of each California public school. More information about SARC requirements is available at the SARC Web site. For additional information about the school, parents and community members should contact the school principal or the district office.

I. Data and Access

DataQuest

DataQuest is an online data tool that contains additional information about this school and comparisons of the school to the district, the county, and the state. Specifically, DataQuest is a dynamic system that provides reports for accountability (e.g. Academic Performance Index [API], Adequate Yearly Progress [AYP]), test data, enrollment, graduates, dropouts, course enrollments, staffing, and data regarding English learners.

Internet Access

Internet access is available at public libraries and other locations that are publicly accessible (e.g., the California State Library). Access to the Internet at libraries and public locations is generally provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Other use restrictions include the hours of operation, the length of time that a workstation may be used (depending on availability), the types of software programs available on a workstation, and the ability to print documents.

II. About This School 

Contact Information (School Year 2008–09)

This section provides the schools contact information. 

School District
School Name Capistrano Connections Academy Charter District Name Capistrano Unified
Street 1211 Puerta del Sol, Ste. 220 Phone Number 949-234-9200
City, State, Zip San Clemente , CA 92673 Web Site http://www.capousd.org
Phone Number 949-492-9131 Superintendent A. Carter
Principal Jonathan Horowitz E-mail Address  
E-mail Address jhorowitz@connectionsacademy.com CDS Code 30-66464-0106765
School Description and Mission Statement (School Year 2007-08)

This section provides information about the school’s goals and programs.

The mission of Capistrano Connections Academy is to leverage 21st century educational resources on behalf of students who need a more personalized approach to learning to maximize these students’ potential and meet the highest performance standards. This mission is accomplished through a uniquely individualized learning program that combines the best in virtual education with very real connections among students, family, teachers, and the community. Every CapoCA student has a Personalized Learning Plan and an entire team of experts (including a parent or other "Learning Coach", a California-certified teacher, and multiple curriculum specialists) committed to the student’s successful fulfillment of that plan. Capistrano Connections Academy (CapoCA) is a charter school authorized by the Capistrano Unified School District. CapoCA serves students in grades K–11 who reside in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. CapoCA is accredited for grades K through 11 from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Both Connections Academy, LLC, and CapoCA also hold accreditation from the Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation (CITA). Parents pay no tuition for students to attend Capistrano Connections Academy. Students are considered to be enrolled in a full time public school.

CapoCA provides textbooks and other curriculum materials. All materials must be returned if the student is no longer enrolled. Students are required to take all state mandated, standardized tests in person at locations designated by the school.

Opportunities for Parental Involvement (School Year 2007–08)

This section provides information about opportunities for parents to become involved with school activities.

Formal parent/teacher communication is required a minimum of once every two weeks for students in grades K-6 and monthly for students in grades 7-12. Parents proactively identify and work with teachers to address student challenges. Feedback from parents regarding the school is gathered annually using the parent survey. There is a parent representative to the CapoCA Board of Director, the governing body for the charter school. All parents and learning coaches are provided access, via the LMS, to an online orientation and are encouraged to complete it prior to enrollment. Parents and learning coaches are encouraged and reminded that Technical Support can be contacted by phone or via a link on the LMS for assistance with technical issues, complaints and concerns. Finally, a link on the parents’ homepage on the LMS called "Feedback" enables parents to immediately and easily submit comments, complaints, questions, and concerns. These communications are tracked daily. Students and their families are offered the opportunity to participate in a variety of school-sponsored activities, including official field trips and an extensive monthly school newsletter.

Student Enrollment by Grade Level (School Year 2007–08)

This table displays the number of students enrolled in each grade level at the school

Grade Level Number of Students
Kindergarten  38
Grade 1  40
Grade 2  51
Grade 3  58
Grade 4  42
Grade 5  42
Grade 6  51
Grade 7  63
Grade 8  55
Ungraded Elementary  0
Grade 9  77
Grade 10  76
Grade 11  30
Grade 12  0
Ungraded Secondary  0
Total Enrollment  623
Student Enrollment by Group (School Year 2007–08)

This table displays the percent of students enrolled at the school who are identified as being in a particular group.

Group  Percent of Total Enrollment  Group  Percent of Total Enrollment 
African American  11% White (not Hispanic)  47%
American Indian or Alaska Native  < 1% Multiple or No Response  24%
Asian  5% Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  36%
Filipino  N/A English Learners  < 1%
Hispanic or Latino  12% Students with Disabilities  8%
Pacific Islander  N/A    
Subject 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Avg. Class Size Number of Classrooms Avg. Class Size Number of Classrooms Avg. Class Size Number of Classrooms
1-22 23-32 33+ 1-22 23-32 33+ 1-22 23-32 33+
English                        
Math                        
Science                        
Social Studies                        
Average Class Size
(Schoolwide Average)
25.0       25.0       22.8      

III. School Climate 

School Safety Plan (School Year 2007-08)

This section provides information about the school's comprehensive safety plan.

Copy is available at school site.

Suspensions and Expulsions

This table displays the total number (and in parentheses, the total rate) of suspensions and expulsions (the total number of incidents divided by the total enrollment) at the school and district levels for the most recent three-year period.

Rate  School  District 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
Suspensions 0 0 1 (< 1%) 3.7 1.0 3.3
Expulsions 0 0 0 0.2 0.1 0.3

IV. School Facilities

School Facility Conditions and Improvements (School Year 2008-09)

This section provides information about the condition of the school's grounds, buildings, and restrooms, and a description of any planned or recently completed facility improvements.

No issues or needs.

School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year 2008-09)

This table displays the results of the most recently completed school site inspection to determine the school facility's good repair status.

Item Inspected  Repair Status  Repair Needed and Action Taken or Planned 
Good  Fair  Poor 
Gas Leaks  x     None taken or needed
Mechanical Systems  x     None taken or needed
Windows/Doors/Gates (interior and exterior)  x     None taken or needed
Interior Surfaces (walls, floors, and ceilings)  x     None taken or needed
Hazardous Materials (interior and exterior)  x     None taken or needed
Structural Damage  x     None taken or needed
Fire Safety  x     None taken or needed
Electrical (interior and exterior)  x     None taken or needed
Pest/Vermin Infestation  x     None taken or needed
Drinking Fountains (inside and outside)  x     None taken or needed
Restrooms  x     None taken or needed
Sewer  x     None taken or needed
Playground/School Grounds  x     None taken or needed
Roofs  x     None taken or needed
Overall Cleanliness  x     None taken or needed
Overall Summary of School Facility Good Repair Status (School Year (2008-09)

This table displays the overall summary of the results of the most recently completed school site inspection.

Item Inspected  Facility Condition 
Exemplary  Good  Fair  Poor 
Overall Summary 

Exemplary

V. Teachers

Teacher Credentials 

This table displays the number of teachers assigned to the school with a full credential, without a full credential, and those teaching outside of their subject area of competence. Detailed information about teacher qualifications can be found at the DataQuest Web site.

Teachers  School  District 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2007-08 
With Full Credential  13 17 29 2280
Without Full Credential  0 0 0 58
Teaching Outside Subject Area of Competence  0 0 0 N/A
Teacher Misassignments and Vacant Teacher Positions

This table displays the number of teacher misassignments (teachers assigned without proper legal authorization) and the number of vacant teacher positions (not filled by a single designated teacher assigned to teach the entire course at the beginning of the school year or semester). Note: Total Teacher Misassignments includes the number of Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners.

Indicator  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09 
Misassignments of Teachers of English Learners   0 0 0
Total Teacher Misassignments   0 0 0
Vacant Teacher Positions  0 0 0
Core Academic Classes Taught by No Child Left Behind Compliant Teachers (School Year 2007-08)

This table displays the percent of classes in core academic subjects taught by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) compliant and non-NCLB compliant teachers at the school, at all schools in the district, at high-poverty schools in the district, and at low-poverty schools in the district. More information on teacher qualifications required under NCLB can be found at the NCLB Web site.

Location of Classes  Percent of Classes In Core Academic Subjects 
Taught by NCLB Compliant Teachers  Taught by Non-NCLB Compliant Teachers 
This School   100 0
All Schools in District   99.9 0.1
High-Poverty Schools in District  100.0 0.0
Low-Poverty Schools in District  99.9 0.1

VI. Support Staff

Academic Counselors and Other Support Staff (School Year 2007-08)

This table displays, in units of full-time equivalents (FTE), the number of academic counselors and other support staff who are assigned to the school and the average number of students per academic counselor. One FTE equals one staff member working full time; one FTE could also represent two staff members who each work 50 percent of full time.

Title  Number of FTE Assigned to School  Average Number of Students per Academic Counselor 
Academic Counselor  270
Library Media Teacher (Librarian)  0 N/A
Library Media Services Staff (paraprofessional)  0 N/A
Psychologist  0 N/A
Social Worker  0 N/A
Nurse  0 N/A
Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist  0 N/A
Resource Specialist (non-teaching)  0 N/A
Other (Administration) 1 N/A

VII. Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Quality, Currency, and Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials (School Year 2008-09)

This table displays information about the quality, currency, and availability of the standards-aligned textbooks and other instructional materials used at the school, and information about the school’s use of any supplemental curriculum or non-adopted textbooks or instructional materials.

Core Curriculum Area  Quality, Currency, and Availability of Textbooks and Instructional Materials  Percent of Pupils Who Lack Their Own Assigned Textbooks and Instructional Materials 
Reading/Language Arts  Excellent 0
Mathematics  Excellent 0
Science  Excellent 0
History-Social Science  Excellent 0
Foreign Language  Excellent 0
Health  Excellent 0
Science Laboratory Equipment (grades 9–12)  Excellent (no physical labs) 0

VIII. School Finances

Expenditures Per Pupil and School Site Teacher Salaries (Fiscal Year 2007-08)

This table displays a comparison of the school’s per pupil expenditures from unrestricted (basic) sources with other schools in the district and throughout the state, and a comparison of the average teacher salary at the school site with average teacher salaries at the district and state levels. Detailed information regarding school expenditures can be found at the Current Expense of Education Web page and teacher salaries can be found on the Certificated Salaries and Benefits Web page.

Level  Total Expenditures Per Pupil  Expenditures Per Pupil (Supplemental)  Expenditures Per Pupil (Basic)  Average Teacher Salary 
School Site  $8,145 $950 $7,195 $41,500
District  N/A N/A N/A $70,974
Percent Difference — School Site and District  N/A N/A N/A N/A
State  N/A N/A $5,300  $65,008
Percent Difference — School Site and State  N/A N/A N/A N/A
Types of Services Funded (Fiscal Year 2007-08)

This section provides information about the programs and supplemental services that are available at the school and funded through either categorical or other sources.

CapoCA receives Title I funding which is dedicated to funding professional development activities and curricular improvements and technology aimed at guiding all students to achieving proficiency on state tests. Gifted/Talent, Special Education, and PACE (a program for students who do not achieve proficiency on state testing) are also available.

Teacher and Administrative Salaries (Fiscal Year 2006-07)

This table displays district-level salary information for teachers, principals, and superintendents, and compares these figures to the state averages for districts of the same type and size. The table also displays teacher and administrative salaries as a percent of a district’s budget, and compares these figures to the state averages for districts of the same type and size. Detailed information regarding salaries may be found on the Certificated Salaries and Benefits Web page.

Category District Amount State Average For Districts In Same Category
Beginning Teacher Salary $42,635 $40,721
Mid-Range Teacher Salary $68,923 $65,190
Highest Teacher Salary $94,205 $84,151
Average Principal Salary (Elementary) $120,198 $104,476
Average Principal Salary (Middle) $126,780 $108,527
Average Principal Salary (High) $132,260 $119,210
Superintendent Salary N/A $210,769
Percent of Budget for Teacher Salaries 44.8% 39.9%
Percent of Budget for Administrative Salaries 5.5% 5.5%

IX. Student Performance

California Standards Tests

The California Standards Tests (CSTs) show how well students are doing in relation to the state content standards. The CSTs include English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades 2 through 11; science in grades 5, 8, and 9 through 11; and history-social science in grades 8, and 10 through 11. Student scores are reported as performance levels. Detailed information regarding CST results for each grade and performance level, including the percent of students not tested, can be found on the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Results Web page.

CST Results for All Students — Three-Year Comparison

This table displays the percent of students achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standards).

Subject  School  District  State 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
English-Language Arts  48 53 53 62 63 64 42 43 46
Mathematics 31 29 34 57 56 59 40 40 43
Science 32 34 41 57 59 66 35 38 46
History-Social Science 28 29 36 58 58 61 33 33 36

Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

CST Results by Student Group — Most Recent Year

This table displays the percent of students, by group, achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level (meeting or exceeding the state standards) for the most recent testing period.

Group  Percent of Students Scoring at Proficient or Advanced 
English-Language Arts  Mathematics  Science  History-Social Science 
African American  39 25 35 7
American Indian or Alaska Native  * * * *
Asian  79 61 * *
Filipino  92 67 * *
Hispanic or Latino  38 23 29 41
Pacific Islander  * * * *
White (not Hispanic)  56 34 40 34
Male  50 34 41 37
Female  56 32 42 34
Economically Disadvantaged  38 25 21  
English Learners  * *    
Students with Disabilities  33 21 36  
Students Receiving Migrant Ed Services         

Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) Results

The California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is primarily used as a graduation requirement. However, the grade 10 results of this exam are also used to establish the percentages of students at three proficiency levels (not proficient, proficient, or advanced) in ELA and mathematics in order to compute Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) designations as required by the federal NCLB Act of 2001. Detailed information regarding CAHSEE results can be found at the CAHSEE Web site.

CAHSEE Results by Performance Level for All Students — Three-Year Comparison

This table displays the percent of students achieving at the Proficient or Advanced level in English-Language Arts and mathematics.

Subject   School   District   State  
2005-06   2006-07   2007-08   2005-06   2006-07   2007-08   2005-06   2006-07   2007-08  
English   N/A 60 59.6 73.7 71 76.8 51.1 48.6 52.9
Mathematics   N/A 40 37.8 68.9 71.4 70.3 46.8 49.9 51.3

Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less, either because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or to protect student privacy. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

CAHSEE Results by Student Group — Most Recent Year

This table displays the percent of students, by group, achieving at each performance level in English language-arts and mathematics separately for the most recent testing period.

Group   English   Mathematics  
Not Proficient   Proficient   Advanced   Not Proficient   Proficient   Advanced  
All Students  40.4 51.1 8.5 62.2 26.7 11.1
Male  41.7 58.3 0.0 62.5 29.2 8.3
Female  39.1 43.5 17.4 61.9 23.8 14.3
African American  * * * * * *
American Indian or Alaska Native  * * * * * *
Asian  * * * * * *
Filipino  * * * * * *
Hispanic or Latino  * * * * * *
Pacific Islander  * * * * * *
White (not Hispanic)  40.0 56.7 3.3 62.1 27.6 10.3
English Learners  * * * * * *
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged   * * * * * *
Students Receiving Migrant Education Services * * * * * *
Students with Disabilities  * * * * * *

Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less, either because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or to protect student privacy. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

California Physical Fitness Test Results (School Year 2007-08)

The California Physical Fitness Test is administered to students in grades 5, 7, and 9 only. This table displays by grade level the percent of students meeting the healthy fitness zone on all six fitness standards for the most recent testing period. Detailed information regarding this test, and comparisons of a school’s test results to the district and state levels, may be found on the Physical Fitness Testing Web page.

Grade Level Percent of Students Meeting Healthy Fittness Zones
5 17.2
7 37.5
9 43.5

Note: Scores are not shown when the number of students tested is 10 or less because the number of students in this category is too small for statistical accuracy or privacy protection. In no case shall any group score be reported that would deliberately or inadvertently make public the score or performance of any individual student.

X. Accountability

Academic Performance Index

The Academic Performance Index (API) is an annual measure of the academic performance and progress of schools in California. API scores range from 200 to 1,000, with a statewide target of 800. Detailed information about the API can be found at the API Web page.

API Ranks — Three-Year Comparison

This table displays the school’s statewide and similar schools API ranks. These ranks are published when the Base API is released each March. The statewide API rank ranges from 1 to 10. A statewide rank of 1 means that the school has an API score in the lowest 10 percent of all schools in the state, while a statewide rank of 10 means that the school has an API score in the highest 10 percent of all schools in the state. The similar schools API rank reflects how a school compares to 100 statistically matched “similar schools.” A similar schools rank of 1 means that the school’s academic performance is comparable to the lowest performing 10 schools of the 100 similar schools, while a similar schools rank of 10 means that the school’s academic performance is better than at least 90 of the 100 similar schools.

API Rank 2005  2006  2007 
Statewide  4 4 3
Similar Schools  N/A 8 5
N/A means a number is not applicable or not available due to missing data.
* means this API is calculated for a small school, defined as having between 11 and 99 valid Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program test scores included in the API. The API is asterisked if the school was small either in 2007 or 2008. APIs based on small numbers of students are less reliable and therefore should be carefully interpreted.
A means the school or subgroups scored at or above the statewide performance target of 800 in 2008.
B means the school did not have a valid 2007 Base API and will not have any growth or target information.
C means the school had significant demographic changes and will not have any growth or target information.
D means this is either an LEA, an Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) school, or a special education school. Target information is not applicable to LEAs, ASAM schools, or special education schools.
E indicates this school was an ASAM school in the 2007 Base API Report and has no target information even though the school is no longer an ASAM school.
API Changes by Student Group — Three-Year Comparison

This table displays by student group the actual API changes in points added or lost for the past three years, and the most recent API score. Note: "N/A" means that the student group is not numerically significant.

Group  Actual API Change  API Score 
2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008 
All Students at the School  5 3 30 754
African American  * * *  
American Indian or Alaska Native  * * *  
Asian  * * *  
Filipino  * * *  
Hispanic or Latino  * * *  
Pacific Islander  * * *  
White (not Hispanic)  * 18 -3 758
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  * * 9 679
English Learners  * * *  
Students with Disabilities  * * *  
N/A means a number is not applicable or not available due to missing data.
* means this API is calculated for a small school, defined as having between 11 and 99 valid Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program test scores included in the API. The API is asterisked if the school was small either in 2007 or 2008. APIs based on small numbers of students are less reliable and therefore should be carefully interpreted.
A means the school or subgroups scored at or above the statewide performance target of 800 in 2008.
B means the school did not have a valid 2007 Base API and will not have any growth or target information.
C means the school had significant demographic changes and will not have any growth or target information.
D means this is either an LEA, an Alternative Schools Accountability Model (ASAM) school, or a special education school. Target information is not applicable to LEAs, ASAM schools, or special education schools.
E indicates this school was an ASAM school in the 2007 Base API Report and has no target information even though the school is no longer an ASAM school.
Adequate Yearly Progress

The federal NCLB act requires that all schools and districts meet the following Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria:

Detailed information about AYP, including participation rates and percent proficient results by student group, can be found at the AYP Web page.

AYP Overall and by Criteria (School Year 2007-08)

This table displays an indication of whether the school and the district made AYP overall and whether the school and the district met each of the AYP criteria.

AYP Criteria  School  District 
Overall  No No  
Participation Rate - English-Language Arts  Yes   Yes  
Participation Rate - Mathematics  Yes   Yes  
Percent Proficient - English-Language Arts  Yes   No  
Percent Proficient - Mathematics  Yes   Yes  
API  Yes   Yes  
Graduation Rate  No Yes
Federal Intervention Program (School Year 2008-09)

Schools and districts receiving federal Title I funding enter Program Improvement (PI) if they do not make AYP for two consecutive years in the same content area (English-language arts or mathematics) or on the same indicator (API or graduation rate). After entering PI, schools and districts advance to the next level of intervention with each additional year that they do not make AYP. Detailed information about PI identification can be found at the AYP Web page.

Indicator  School  District 
Program Improvement Status  Not In PI   Not In PI  
First Year of Program Improvement     
Year in Program Improvement     
Number of Schools Currently in Program Improvement  N/A 3
Percent of Schools Currently in Program Improvement  N/A 4.9

XI. School Completion and Postsecondary Preparation

Admission Requirements for California Public Universities

University of California
Admission requirements for the University of California (UC) follow guidelines set forth in the Master Plan, which requires that the top one-eighth of the state's high school graduates, as well as those transfer students who have successfully completed specified college work, be eligible for admission to the UC. These requirements are designed to ensure that all eligible students are adequately prepared for University-level work. For general admissions requirements please visit the University of California Web site.

California State University
Admission requirements for the California State University (CSU) use three factors to determine eligibility. They are specific high school courses; grades in specified courses and test scores; and graduation from high school. Some campuses have higher standards for particular majors or students who live outside the local campus area. Because of the number of students who apply, a few campuses have higher standards (supplementary admission criteria) for all applicants. Most CSU campuses utilize local admission guarantee policies for students who graduate or transfer from high schools and colleges that are historically served by a CSU campus in that region. For general admissions requirements please visit the California State University Web site.

Dropout Rate and Graduation Rate

This table displays the school’s one-year dropout rates and graduation rates for the most recent three-year period for which data is available. For comparison purposes, data are also provided at the district and state levels. Detailed information about dropout rates and graduation rates can be found on the DataQuest Web site.

Indicator  School  District  State 
2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
Dropout Rate (1-year)  N/A N/A 10.9 0.6 0.5 0.6 3.1 3.5 4.4
Graduation Rate  N/A N/A N/A 99.1 98.8 98.1 85.0 83.0 79.5
Completion of High School Graduation Requirements

Students in California public schools must pass both the English-language arts and mathematics portions of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) to receive a high school diploma. For students who began the 2007-08 school year in the 12th grade, as evidenced by that school year’s October CBEDS enrollment, this table displays by student group the percent who met all state and local graduation requirements for grade 12 completion, including having passed both portions of the CAHSEE or received a local waiver or state exemption. Detailed information about the CAHSEE can be found at the CAHSEE Web page. Note: "N/A" means that the student group is not numerically significant.

Group  Graduating Class of 2008 
School  District  State 
All Students  NOT APPLICABLE; FIRST GRADUATING CLASS WILL BE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR N/A N/A
African American  N/A N/A
American Indian or Alaska Native  N/A N/A
Asian  N/A N/A
Filipino  N/A N/A
Hispanic or Latino  N/A N/A
Pacific Islander  N/A N/A
White (not Hispanic)  N/A N/A
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged  N/A N/A
English Learners  N/A N/A
Students with Disabilities  N/A N/A
Career Technical Education Programs (School Year 2007-08)

This section provides information about the degree to which pupils are prepared to enter the workforce, including a list of career technical education (CTE) programs offered at the school.

No official CTE program.  CapoCA refers students to local ROP programs, including the Capistrano Laguna Beach Regional Occupation Program for our students in the C.U.S.D. and Laguna Beach areas, to take career education classes. See http://www.capolagrop.k12.ca.us.

Career Technical Education Participation (School Year 2007-08)

This table displays information about participation in the school's CTE programs.

Measure  CTE Program Participation 
Number of the school’s pupils participating in CTE  N/A
Percent of the school's pupils completing a CTE program and earning a high school diploma  N/A
Percent of school's CTE courses sequenced or articulated between the school and institutions of postsecondary education  N/A
Courses for University of California and/or California State University Admission (School Year 2007-08)

This table displays, for the most recent year, two measures related to the school’s courses that are required for University of California (UC) and/or California State University (CSU) admission. Detailed information about student enrollment, in and completion of, courses required for UC/CSU admission can be found at the DataQuest Web site.

Indicator  Percent 
Students Enrolled in Courses Required for UC/CSU Admission  88%
Graduates Who Completed All Courses Required for UC/CSU Admission  N/A

XII. Instructional Planning and Scheduling

Professional Development

This section provides information on the annual number of school days dedicated to staff development for the most recent three-year period.

The Connections Academy teacher training and professional development programs aim to equip teachers with the following:

Training and Professional Development Elements

The following training programs are provided to all Connections Academy teachers:

  1. The Connections Academy Program Manual is a resource for teachers and administrators to use all year. It contains policies, procedures, and "how to" components that aid the teachers on a day-to-day basis. These "how to" components have links to accompanying online tutorial segments that visually demonstrate each process.

  2. Initial Teacher Orientation Course (Developed by Connections Academy)

    All teachers and principals must complete and pass a self-guided, Connections Academy-developed teacher training course. This course is delivered through the LMS and contains lessons, assessments, and online tutorials. The focus of this course is to prepare teachers for the first few weeks of school. It covers "the basics" including: curriculum, assessment, personalizing instruction, school year events, grading and report cards, communication, and essential LMS tools. Upon successful completion of these courses and assessments, teachers and principals will be ready for the first few weeks of school.

  3. Supplemental Teacher Training Course Segments (Developed by Connections Academy)

    Once a school is up and running, Connections Academy presents more segments of the training course to teachers on an ongoing basis. These segments contain information about more complex features and functions of the LMS, instructional processes, and processes that teachers need to implement once school is successfully under way.

  4. University-Level Online Instruction Courses (Developed by a University Partner)

    After teachers successfully complete the Connections Academy-developed training course centered around the LMS and Connections Academy processes, they will have the opportunity to enroll in an online graduate-level course specially designed for Connections Academy teachers that focuses on online instructional practices. The teachers are able to earn graduate credit upon successful completion of this course.

  5. Connections Academy provides teachers with ongoing professional development activities throughout the year.

    Presenters with various backgrounds and areas of content expertise conduct live tutorial sessions on a rotating basis throughout the school year. Teachers are required to virtually attend monthly sessions throughout the year covering such topics as implementing specific instructional strategies, current curriculum-specific topics and trends, effective teaching strategies and communication skills for a virtual environment, utilizing the state standards to guide instruction, educational technology, using data to guide instruction, and educational trends.

  6. Connections Academy's Train the Trainer Model

    Connections Academy utilizes a "Train the Trainer" approach. Principals must select a representative teacher to receive regular communication and training from the central office concerning recent technology releases, best practices, important instructional topics, strategies, and techniques. This trainer is responsible for learning the newly presented information, and ensuring that the other staff members are fully trained. Principals should select a teacher that demonstrates strong technical skills, good training and presentation skills, and has a firm understanding of the Connections Academy program.

  7. School-Specific Professional Development

    Principals establish a schedule of local professional development activities that relate to and fulfill the school, state, or district requirements. Such activities are coordinated and tracked on a local level.