1. Executive Director , Unity Middle College
Strategies, Ideas and Pitfalls to Avoid when Starting an Early/Middle College High School
California Coalition of Early & Middle Colleges A coalition dedicated to the promotion of California policy to strengthen Early & Middle Colleges
September 29, 2017
Erin M. Craig, Ed.D.
Executive Director , Unity Middle College
Orange, CA

2. Exploratory Thinking
What are you attending this session today? What questions do you hope to have answered?

3. MCHS Demographics NATIONALLY
Small schools with approximately students
Traditionally underserved populations
First generation high school and college students
CALIFORNIA
Approximately 65 MCHS identified in California

4. Different MCHS Models Public MCHS Independent Charter MCHS
Gateway to College
MCHS within a comprehensive school
Varied grade levels served nationwide (9-13th)
On and off the college campus

5. MCHS and ECHS are examples of dual enrollment in action.
We will use the term: MCHS for both MCHS and ECHS in this presentation.

6. A Few Basics to Consider
Who is your target population?
Will the model be a 2, 3 or 4 year early/middle college?
Will the early/middle college be a school-within-a-school or a stand alone school with a CDE number?
Will the school be located on a college campus or?
How many students will you serve?
Beginning course details and/or books/materials needed for a class/project.

7. The MCHS Strategies Significant Dual Credit Sustainable Partnerships
Holistic Student Support
Innovative Teaching and Learning

8. How to Gain Significant Dual Credit
Students are enrolled in college in the morning and high school in the afternoon
Students are enrolled in Advisory/Family/AVID all four years; the tool used to instill college readiness
Some students will complete Pre-Cal at the college along with Calculus
All Foreign Language is completed at the college
Each of our students meet with the college counselor at least one time a year
All students have a college Student Education Plan
that is updated annually

9. Sustainable Partnerships
Strong partnership between college and MCHS drives student and institutions’ success
Memorandum of Understanding describes scope of relationship, course access, costs, etc.
Integrated high school and college-based cohesive academic program is developed and implemented by both institutions
Ongoing HS and college collaboration at multiple levels: admin, counselor, instructors
Partnership is not strictly reliable on one individual

10. Holistic Student Support
Supports to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students
Environment that fosters the development of knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in school and in life
Dedicated professionals provide students with intensive support throughout the MCHS experience
Services and structures to address the needs of the whole student to maximize program persistence and completion
Faculty and staff utilize strengths-based and solution-focused approaches to student support
Cultivated small learning community among students to increase their academic and social integration into the college environment

11. Innovative Teaching
HS teachers and college instructors teach respective classes with collaboration between institution
21st century skill and curriculum building through technology, course rigor, and college level content
Positive and collaborative environment where students engage in academic and social emotional support and growth
Scheduling and courses offered maximize opportunities to earn college transferable units leading to a degree or credential
Creation of a MCHS Family at school

12. Innovative Student Learning
Students take HS, College, and Advisory/AVID courses each semester
Participation in a Family or Advisory or AVID class of grade alike students sometimes with the same teacher all four years
Student demonstrates readiness to enroll in credit bearing/transfer level college courses
Student feels like and is a college student
Safe, supportive, environment to celebrate students’ successes and support through challenges

13. MCHS: An Equitable Education
Equity Practices:
Equity funds can be used for MCHS
Providing access to college courses for traditionally under represented minority high school students
Removing financial barriers for the first two years of college
Building academic and contextual skills for college readiness while in HS
Disproportionally impacted subgroups

14. Small Group Discussion
What are your next 3-5 steps in working towards exploring, planning, opening, or expanding a MCHS?

15. What are your questions?
MCHS Q&A
What are your questions?

16. Thank You!
Erin Craig, Ed.D. Unity Middle College High School To Learn More About CCEMC