(a)
The Legislature finds and declares that middle college high schools have proven to be a highly effective collaborative effort between local school districts and community colleges. The goal of the middle college high school is to select at-risk high school students who are performing below their academic potential and place them in an alternative high school located on a community college campus in order to reduce the likelihood that they will drop out of school before graduation.
(b)
Each middle college high school shall be structured as a broad-based, comprehensive instructional program focusing on college preparatory and school-to-work curricula, career education, work experience, community service, and support and motivational activities.
(c)
The specific design of a middle college high school may vary depending on the circumstances of the community college or school district. The basic elements of the middle college high school shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
A curriculum that focuses on college and career preparation.
(2)
A reduced adult-student ratio.
(3)
Flexible scheduling to allow for work internships, community service experience, and interaction with community college student role models.
(4)
Opportunities for experiential internships, work apprenticeships, and community service.