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EDCOE Student Programs

Charter Rite of Passage High Schools

Silver State Academy and Sierra Ridge Campuses
sponsored by the El Dorado County Office of Education

Vicki L. Barber, Ed.D., El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools

Cathy Bean and Francie Heim, Deputy Superintendents

Narrative prepared by:
Russell Colletta, Principal
Charter Rite of Passage High School,
Silver State Academy,
Yerington, Nevada
Sierra Ridge Academy,
San Andreas, California
Phone: (775) 463-5580
E-mail:

Note: The El Dorado County Board of Education serves as the Authorizer and Governing Board for the Charter Rite of Passage High Schools. Charter Rite of Passage received charter number 55 from the California State Board of Education in 1994. The El Dorado County Office of Education provides all administrative, instructional, and financial support for the educational and vocational training programs. The Charter focuses on CORE academics and multi-career pathways.

The Rite of Passage '7/24/365' residential treatment sites have enabled thousands of at-risk youth to move beyond their troubled home lives and negative former school experiences. Providing dramatic behavioral and lifestyle changes, the Rite of Passage treatment programs provide a unique, proactive setting for education.

Charter Rite of Passage High Schools, sponsored by El Dorado County Office of Education, offer 250-day schooling. This accelerated learning process exceeds public school credit accrual by a ratio of 1.39:1 or higher. Male adolescent students, most often placed at R.O.P. through juvenile court adjudication or social service agencies, discover a focused learning environment. EDCOE teaching staff enjoys the benefit of R.O.P. "coaches" in each classroom, assuring the kind of discipline that supports accelerated learning. As a result, graduation from high school becomes a real prospect for students who have traditionally failed at mainstream public education.

Charter Rite of Passage High Schools have earned distinction in several areas of education and vocational training. Staff at CROPHS meets the needs of a diverse ethnic and cultural population, students with a broad range of aptitudes and disparate educational backgrounds. Academic proficiency and valuing education remain priorities, with goals now focusing on the High School Exit Examination (2006):

English/Language Arts---Students enter CROPHS with a variety of written and verbal skills. Many students come from bilingual homes and communities. Entrance test scores range from reading indices of 1-2 Grade level to 12.9+, such disparity requiring innovative teaching methods and curriculum.

'Accelerated Reading' serves as a prime resource tool, bootstrapping students from low reading levels to high school, grade level work. With average enrollment stays of 12 - 14 months, successes include ultra-low (barely measurable) literacy level students reaching levels 4th-8th Grade. One recent, highly motivated bilingual student, with less than two years in the program, advanced from a 1st Grade reading level to 12.9. The reading program addresses Special Education and non-Special Education students, preparing low-level readers for our high school curriculum courses in English using an integrated approach.

Mathematics---Recognizing the number of students with gaps in their educational experience, the Math programs at CROPHS campuses now consist of several strategies. Traditionally, students incapable of performing at high school level were afforded general math and trade-related math courses as "pre-high school" math venues. During the last school year, largely due to the success of the Accelerated Reading program, the Math departments at Silver State Academy and Sierra Ridge have implemented use of the "Accelerated Math" program.

Accelerated Math offers individualized opportunity to develop math skills, providing a self-paced means for achieving math proficiency. Our lower functioning math students make rapid progress with this non-threatening, interactive program. Teachers, offering ongoing support and mentoring, report that these resource tools accommodate the widest range of student abilities.

Allowing for the range of math skills and aptitudes found within this special population, Math curriculum spans from pre-high school math to algebra, geometry and calculus/trigonometry. One-on-one, our Math instructors work with students spanning from remedial learners to college bound students needing exposure to advanced mathematics (Calculus/Trigonometry) and Physics.

Note: The flexibility of our learning environment also allows for "Independent Studies" in Math, Economics, History, U.S. Government and other CORE subject areas.

Life, Earth and Physical Sciences---Our capable and creative science instructors address a spectrum of student needs and abilities. Moderate class sizes assure that those students who formerly struggled with Science in a public school setting receive the kind of attention necessary for success. Our group and individualized teaching methods allow many students to excel, and successful graduates meet pre-college levels of competency. These gains are measurable and validated in students' proficiency test and ACT/SAT scores.

Our emphasis with scientific inquiry, like other CORE subject offerings, is to encourage student engagement in the process. Within our Science programs, students strive for academic competency and also explore related careers, including the E.M.T. and Fire Science vocational pathways.

Social Studies---High school level World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Economics serve as an optimal opportunity for CROPHS students to expand their social and cultural awareness while improving life skills. The multi-ethnic and multi-cultural bearing of our student population provides a rich environment for students to become more aware of the cultural diversity---and similarities---found in American communities today.

Physical Education---Emphasis on physical training has been a key element in the Rite of Passage programs. P.E. classes and organized sports benefit from coaching by physical trainers and former college and professional athletes. Silver State Academy, Yerington, competes in all Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association (NIAA) sports programs plus club sports such as amateur boxing and regional soccer. Sierra Ridge Academy also participates in sanctioned athletics.  Rite of Passage players, often with limited exposure to any kind of organized sport, perform very well in this environment.

Sports such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, track, cross-country, bicycling, skiing (alpine and cross-country), and most recently boxing, form the roster of organized outlets that students can enjoy. Teamwork, sportsmanship, physical fitness and self-esteem are notable gains. Additionally, an intensive P.E. program plays a continual role in the R.O.P. treatment regimen, and students continually earn very high marks in the President's Fitness Standards.

Art and Electives---Art and elective credit requirements are met in a variety of ways.  CROPHS offers digital imaging and photojournalism as an elective/art credit course. Students explore the creative as well as commercial value of photography and modern journalism.

In photojournalism, still and video/motion picture mediums, camera fundamentals, and journalism merge with photography. A newsletter, sports coverage, portfolios and special event photography engage students in the process of hands-on work. Computer graphics and professional level photo restoration work are also covered. The growing popularity of this class reflects our students' creativity and multi-talents.

As part of the Rite of Passage treatment program, students attend life skills classes, including 'Anger Management,' 'Gang Affiliation,' 'Drug and Alcohol Dependency,' 'Victim Empathy,' 'Family Reunification,' and 'Teen Parenting.' (We also offer a subject-specific "Life Skills" course.) Additionally, through a 'Positive Peer Culture' behavioral modification strategy, students regularly attend Guided Group Meetings that further promote sensible conflict resolution and constructive peer influence.

Life Skills, OSHA training, CPR, Shop Practices and Vocational Orientation classes complement the students' vocational training and transition into adult life. We offer elective credits for these subjects while promoting a higher likelihood of employment and successful, independent living.

Vocational Training

In addition to our success at academic education, CROPHS offers a variety of vocational training pathways. The resulting skill sets and work ethics resulting from these intensive training programs lead to quality, meaningful jobs.

Program focus is job-market readiness for our graduates. 500-600 proficiency-based training hours are the norm for our pathways. A blend of classroom curriculum and ands-on training meets adult trade school standards that help assure employment. Recently, our vocational programs have earned regional recognition in several areas:

Automotive Technologies---The curriculum implemented in 1999-2000 gained acceptance by Western Nevada Community College (W.N.C.C.) for college credits. Students train at entry-level to advanced technology procedures, including general automotive service, brake work, automatic transmission rebuilding, axle-and-differential overhaul and alignment/chassis work. The three levels of training represent jump-off points to industry recognized job categories. In addition to the articulation agreement, CROPHS now participates on the 'Tech Prep' board of W.N.C.C.

Welding/Manufacturing---Job readiness is the goal in welding and manufacturing. Students learn the procedures necessary to meet industry standards in a range of welding environments. All phases of welding, a thorough understanding of craft metallurgical principles, safety practices, plus layout and blueprint reading help students gain the skills necessary for industry jobs. Students train at MIG, stick, oxy-acetylene (cutting, welding and brazing), flux-core, TIG and other processes. We have implemented American Welding Society guidelines and training methods to further meet industry standards. Use of 'AWS' guidelines makes a W.N.C.C. articulation agreement and college credits our current target. Successful graduates of the Welding/Manufacturing vocational pathway can look forward to high-skill, "family wage" jobs.

Construction/Trades---The CROPHS construction trades training leads to quality jobs.  Our Construction students who train at Silver State Academy advance to work on 'Citizens for Affordable Homes' projects near Gardnerville, Nevada. These projects place our students on an actual housing tract development site, working with journey-level professionals to construct homes. From ground breaking to turnkey completion, students gain exposure to every element of new home construction.

Facility Maintenance---The overwhelming demand for plant and commercial property maintenance led to a vocational pathway in Facility Maintenance. Using the Rite of Passage residential campus as a backdrop for training, the course combines hands-on training with curriculum that addresses electrical, plumbing, remodeling, drywall/taping, painting and restorative work. A select number of advanced students now work part time with the R.O.P. Facility Maintenance staff and earn hourly wages.

Computers/Information Technologies---The Construction and Automotive articulation agreements have led to further involvement with W.N.C.C. Students from the R.O.P. third-level "group home" (Q-House) campus attended 'A+' computer classes at the community college. Similar 'A+'-type training takes place at our Silver State Academy and Sierra Ridge campuses, and a W.N.C.C. articulation agreement is now targeted for this vocational pathway.

At Silver State Academy and Sierra Ridge, our Computer classes provide thorough orientation to the Microsoft/MOUS environment, elements of 'A+' training, hardware service and upgrading, HTML and Website construction. Silver State Academy has benefited from Coach/Counselor Hill, a computer graphics/simulation expert who has worked with Lucas Studios. Coach Hill worked closely with our instructor, Don Bartlett, in the area of advanced computer graphics and design.
Students have gained valuable job-skill training in computer graphics, and one recent graduate demonstrated his competency to a metropolitan newspaper in his home community. He was immediately hired as a graphics designer in the layout department, working alongside professionals with college degrees in art and computer graphics!

Culinary Arts---Silver State Academy's Culinary Arts training goes way beyond flipping burgers…Our master chef instructor teaches students the art of cooking---five sauces, serving etiquette, cleanliness, banquet service, preparation and professional food presentation! This year, our students have prepared and served the Nevada State Legislators and hosted a luncheon in the Governor's Mansion at Carson City!
Catering weddings, banquets and Rite of Passage functions provides continuous training at professional food preparation and service. Several student graduates have found immediate employment as prep cooks, line cooks and even understudies with master chefs! Some have continued schooling at culinary arts academies.

Drafting---Currently a mechanical drawing course and vocational pathway, this specialized training track provides students with entry-level skills in this profession. Students have completed this program and advanced to jobs at landscape drafting and pre-engineering. Welding/Manufacturing and Construction students benefit from the blueprint reading and layout experience.
Our next development stage is CAD/AutoCAD, targeting a W.N.C.C. articulation agreement at that level. For now, committed students can validate Drafting as a vocational pathway. Less devoted students can learn drafting basics for elective and art credits.

Sierra Ridge/Charter Rite of Passage Campus

Sierra Ridge/Rite of Passage, located in the picturesque Gold Country foothills near San Andreas, California.  Using proven academic and vocational elements of the Silver State Academy program, the Sierra Ridge staff has established a similar culture and learning environment.

As with any school, the establishment of a proactive community of teachers is crucial to success. Careful screening and selection of staff, teachers sensitive to the needs of at-risk students in a residential treatment setting, have supported the growth of this site. Currently, the student/resident population has an enrollment of approximately 80 students and is approved for 100 resident-students.

Revamping this historical site and school has involved considerable energy and resources. The Rite of Passage organization has constructed a virtual mini-municipal sewer plant, and restoration of buildings has transformed the site into a contemporary, safe living environment. In the process, the beauty of the grounds, the pleasant natural surroundings, and the period architecture of the buildings make Sierra Ridge campus an attractive, inviting landscape for the operation of our charter high school.

Meeting stringent California 'RCL' requirements, the Sierra Ridge facility offers at-risk youth a broad range of treatment elements. Counseling and treatment, coupled with EDCOE's teaching and Special Education programs, provide resident/students with the vital range of services needed to turn their lives around.

Sierra Ridge/CROPHS currently offers all CORE subjects, a variety of electives and the Special Education services available at Silver State Academy. As with Silver State Academy, Special Education services keep pace with the growing population and student needs.

Additionally, in the tradition of EDCOE's commitment to vocational training, three vocational pathways, Computers and Facility Maintenance on site, and Culinary through a partnership with Columbia College currently meet Sierra Ridge students' needs. Patterned after the Silver State Academy goals, these training areas follow adult education/trade school guidelines to assure that our graduates have access to meaningful, gainful employment.

As Sierra Ridge develops, additional vocational pathways will emerge to meet the larger student population. At present, our two Sierra Ridge vocational instructors and four academic teachers, supported by dedicated Special Education staff from the EDCOE, form a team devoted to serving this special population of students.