DASS Application Instructions

The Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) program is limited to schools that meet certain eligibility requirements established by the State Board of Education (SBE). Schools are identified as "alternative" through one of two methods: Alternative Schools Defined in Education Code (EC) or Application-Based DASS.

Schools that serve high-risk youth, but are not explicitly required to do so in the EC, may apply for DASS status through the California Department of Education (CDE). These include: (1) alternative schools of choice and (2) charter schools that serve high-risk students. These schools must have an unduplicated count of at least 70 percent high-risk students within the school's cumulative enrollment (upon first entry to the school) to be eligible for DASS. The high-risk student groups can be found on the following CDE website: DASS Eligibility Criteria.

DASS Application and Renewal Timeline for 2025 Dashboard

For the 2025 Dashboard and 2024–25 Accountability Reporting cycle, the CDE is updating the application process for DASS. CDE has requested that the State Board of Education review the application criteria and process during the 2025 Accountability Workplan.

Table 1: Updated DASS Application Submission and Accountability Reporting Cycle

DASS applications, both for new status and renewals, will be available from April 3, 2025 through July 10, 2025.

Applications require a single application. Completion of the application requires the following:

• LEA information
• Supporting documentation
  • Approval of Intent to Apply for DASS from the Local Governing School Board/Charter Governing School Board
    • Minutes from Board Meeting
  • For charter schools: Letter to Charter Authorizing Board containing above Documentation

To complete the survey, please gather the supporting documentation and follow the steps below:

• Navigate to the online Survey. Complete all fields before submitting the survey.
• Print a copy of the form before submitting.

Once the application survey has been submitted, the CDE will confirm receipt within 5 business days.

If you do not receive confirmation, please contact the Analysis, Measurement, and Accountability Reporting Division at Dashboard@cde.ca.gov for assistance.

Confirmation of Dashboard Alternative School Status

Following the application deadline, CDE will evaluate the applications to validate that each LEA/school serves and unduplicated count of at least 70 percent high-risk students within the school's cumulative enrollment (upon first entry to the school).

CDE will post an updated list of active DASS schools for the 2024-25 school year and 2025 Dashboard on its website in the Fall of 2025.

Terms of Dashboard Alternative Schools Status Participation

All DASS participating schools must continuously serve 70 percent of high-risk students each year. If a school's enrollment of high-risk students falls below 70 percent, the school will be removed from DASS.

All Schools voluntarily participating in the DASS program will be required to re-apply for DASS every three years (i.e., if a school is approved to participate in DASS for the 2024-25 Accountability year, this school must reapply in 2027 for the 2027-28 Accountability year to continue their participation in DASS). If a school fails to reapply, the school will be removed from DASS.