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The Role of JCCASAC (back to top)
It is important that the Juvenile Court and Community Schools provide:
1.Opportunities for students to complete a course of study leading to a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) Certificate, or State High School Proficiency Certificate;
2. Opportunities for students to develop their individual potential and an appreciation of self and others, while learning to become productive citizens; and,
3. Opportunities to develop individual talents, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and the knowledge to succeed.
Students are placed in juvenile court and community schools when referred by the juvenile court or a deputy probation officer, expelled from school, or referred by a Student Attendance Review Board (SARB). Community Schools may also serve homeless students and students referred by their local school district with parental consent. Since each juvenile court and community schools student was previously placed in a local school district education program, the juvenile court and community schools programs seek to transition the students back to an appropriate educational, training, and/or employment setting upon release or after the court terminates jurisdiction.Juvenile Court and Community Schools education is characteristically very student centered and adapted to meet individual needs. The needs of the community and receiving districts are also evidenced through their involvement in program planning and transition services.
JCCASAC Belief Statements (back to top)
We believe in our students...
We believe in ourselves...
We believe in our program...
Our educational belief system, philosophy, and mission guide the school program, learning environment, and educational community.
We believe:
Our students are important and worthwhile.
Our students can learn, achieve, and succeed.
Our students, with appropriate support/guidance, need to build their own academic plan.
We possess the skills and commitment to be effective with our students.
Our student population requires a responsive, supportive, dedicated, and highly capable staff.
It is critical to create and maintain a school program and environment which enables students to be self-directed, motivated, and responsible.
Success of Juvenile Court and Community Schools depends on interagency cooperation.
Juvenile Court and Community Schools are extremely cost effective high-risk youth intervention programs.
Juvenile Court and Community Schools are essential public school options.
JCCASAC Goals (back to top)
Personal Empowerment
Academic Achievement
Successful Transition/Integration from School to Community
Our goals:
To provide a school program and setting which make our students feel they belong, are cared about, and are important.
To provide quality curriculum and instruction within the context of a supportive and stimulating environment.
To strive for excellence in delivering essential public school services.
To develop our students' academic and vocational skills.
To develop our students' social responsibility and citizenship skills.
To develop our students' problem-solving skills.
To develop our students' self-concept and personal development skills.
To help our students redevelop a strong bond to school and a commitment to education.
To transition students back to the local school district programs as soon as it is appropriate.
To prepare our students to qualify for post-secondary schooling.
To teach our students healthy and drug-free lifestyles.
To promote a global awareness and appreciation for the environment.
JCCASAC Curriculum Focus (back to top)
* Academic * Personal * Social * Vocational *
All students at every level should actively participate in activities which are consistent with the goals of the core curriculum and the developmental characteristics of their age group.
The curriculum focus:
Academic Skills
Independent Life Skills
Employability Skills
Personal-Social Skills
Study Skills
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Responsible Citizen Skills
Personal Development & Growth
Heathy Self-Esteem
Physical Health and Wellness
Critical Thinking Skills
Characteristics of JCCASAC Schools (back to top)
* Mission * Expectations * Curriculum * Support *
In general, Juvenile Court and Community Schools have many characteristics in common with effective schools. However, because of the special nature or our school population, the qualities listed below are especially prominent.
The characteristics:
Clear school mission.
A supportive and nuturing community for the individual.
An opportunity for learning, cooperation, and personal growth.
Effective instructional leardership and practices.
High expectations.
Positive and supportive staff and environment.
Strong network of student support services.
Safe, orderly, and positive school environment.
Program content and structure based on students' needs.
Ongoing curriculum improvement.
Innovative programs and services.
Appropriate teacher-student ratio.
Maximum use of instructional time.
Treatment of students with dignity and respect.
Frequent monitoring or student progress.
Positive home-school-community relations.
High degree of multi-agency coordinated services.
The Peshkoff Award (back to top)
John Peshkoff (1935-2006) was one of the founding fathers of JCCASAC (then known as
Juvenile Court School Administrators of California or JCSAC). John served as the
JCCASAC president from 1977-78 and again from 1990-91. He advocated for legislation
and practices which support quality educational services for students in alternative
education programs. He also served as a mentor, friend, and cheerleader to his peers
and colleagues in the field.
The John Peshkoff Award is presented annually for memorable vision, service, leadership
and commitment to JCCASAC students and programs.
Past Recipients of the Peshkoff Award:
2010
Dolores Redwine - San Diego County
Larry Springer - Los Angeles County
2009
Ken Taylor - Kern County
Bill Burns - San Mateo County
2008
Chuck Lee - San Diego County
Janet Addo - Orange County
2007
Bob Michels - Santa Clara
Mary Louise Mack - Sacramento
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