Fairfield Suisun Early College High School Program

Fairfield Suisun Early College High School Program

What is Early College? ECHS is a unique opportunity for students to earn their AA degree from Solano Community College while working towards their high school diploma. All students in the program will earn transferable college units, learn to navigate the college process, and gain college experience with the support needed to ensure success now and in the future.

Current Program The FSUSD ECHS program is in its first year. There are 52 students currently taking all of their courses on the Solano Campus. Students are taking 5 Core High School Classes plus 1 College Course per Semester. We will be adding 60 students a year until we have approximately 240 students in the program.

Background Began in 1974 at La Guardia Community College to address the high dropout rate in NYC high schools Small schools where students enroll in high school and college classes Graduate with both a diploma and an AA degree (or up to 60 transferable college credits) More than 240 schools are part of the Early College High School Initiative across the country, and at least 33 others outside of the initiative

Success Rates 78 PERCENT of early college graduates earned at least some college credits, indicating that they gained concrete knowledge about what it takes to succeed in postsecondary education. 37 PERCENT of graduates at early college schools, opened four or more years, earned more than one year of college credits while in early college. 22 PERCENT of graduates at early college schools, opened four or more years, earned two years of college credit or an Associate s degree. Sources (2009): Early College High School Initiative Student Information System, Jobs for the Future, and National Center for Education Statistics

More Success Data 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 86 81 63 23 % Graduated % Enrolled in College by the End of High School 77 67 % Enrolled in College by 1 Year After High School 21 1 % Earned a College Degree within 1 Year of Graduating ECHS Students Comparison Students Note: Data from the AIR, Early College, Early Success: Early College High School Initiative Impact Study (2013)

Benefits to Students Increased student motivation Supported transition to college Academic and social Reduced cost of going to college Increased graduation rates Smaller, rigorous, high-quality learning environments

Program Features 60 incoming freshmen district-wide An extension of Rodriguez High School, but open to the whole district Located on the Solano Community College Campus An additional 60 freshmen will be selected each year, culminating in a 9 th -12 th grade program with a total enrollment of 240 students

Staff RHS Staff will be on the SCC campus during high school instructional hours RHS teachers will instruct ECHS students on the SCC campus daily An RHS counselor will work with ECHS students, and will be available on the SCC campus weekly An RHS administrator will supervise the ECHS program

Sample Schedule Monday, Wednesday, Friday Time 8:00-8:50am 9:00-9:50am 10:00-10:50am 11:00-11:50am 12:00-12:50pm 1:00-1:50pm 2:00-2:50pm Class College Class or Academic Support HS English HS Math LUNCH HS Science HS History College Class or Academic Support

Sample Schedule Tuesday and Thursday Time Class 7:00-7:50 P.E. (9 th grade Tuesday/ 10 th Grade Thursday) 8:00-9:15 HS English 9:20-10:35am HS Math 10:40-11:55am HS Science 11:55-12:25pm LUNCH 12:30-1:45pm HS History 2:00-2:50pm College Class or Academic Support

Sample Four-Year Plan 9 th Grade 10 th Grade 11 th Grade Summer 12 th Grade 5 High School Classes & 1 College Course Each Semester High School English Math Science Social Science PE (Independent Study) 5 High School Classes & 2 College Courses Each Semester High School English Math Science Social Science PE (Independent Study) 2-4 High School Classes & College Courses (10 units per semester) High School TBD Academic Support 1 College Course (3 college units) TBD 2-4 High School Classes & College Courses (10 units per semester) High School TBD Academic Support Academic Support College VPA/CTE Elective Foreign Language Academic Support College VPA/CTE Elective Foreign Language College VPA/CTE Elective Course from Major Area College VPA/CTE Elective Course from Major Area

College Courses Depends on availability and student interest General Elective Credits Foreign Language credits Some offered at night Some become full or get canceled Geared toward a college/adult audience Require students to be self-advocates

Extra Curricular Activities Many of our students still participate in Sports Some activities are not available to our ECHS students: high school band, leadership Students can join clubs at Solano Looking to create a Leadership group at Solano Many students still participate in rallies at Rod and attend the different events

Student Minimum Requirements Grade Point Average at or above a 2.5 Pattern of consistent attendance Pattern of responsible behavior Ability to access technology (including internet) during non-school hours Recommendation from teachers

Selection Process Must meet minimum requirements Application and Interview Process Review of academic, attendance, and behavior records Student assurances Parent agreement Student essay Student work samples Student interview Lottery system if needed (including waiting list)

Next Steps March Application Packets (due to RHS office by 3/30/15) Interview notices mailed Regret Letters mailed Student interviews Student selection Acceptance & Regret Letters April Parent/Student Meeting (SCC Applications and Assessments) May Students select SCC courses