High Schools That Work
Goals and Key Conditions  

 

 

HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK

GOALS

  • To increase the mathematics, science, communication, problem-solving and technical achievement and the application of learning for career-bound students to the national average of all students.
  • To blend the essential content of traditional college-preparatory studies - mathematics, science and language arts - with quality vocational and technical studies, by creating conditions that support school leaders and teachers in carrying out the key practices.
  • To advance state and local policies and leadership initiatives necessary to sustain a continuous school-improvement effort.

HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK

FIVE KEY CONDITIONS

  • An organizational structure and process ensuring continuous involvement of faculty and school administrators in planning strategies to achieve the key practices.
  • A school principal with strong and effective leadership who supports, encourages and actively participates with the faculty in implementing the key practices.
  • A system superintendent and school board members who support the school administrators and teachers in carrying out the key practices. This commitment includes financial support for instructional materials, time for teachers to meet and plan together, and six to eight days per year of staff development on using the key practices to improve student learning.
  • Leadership from the superintendent and school board to involve employers and post-secondary institutions in the design and implementation of a school-based and work-based program to prepare students for employment and post-secondary education.
  • A commitment from the school board to support the school in replacing the general track with a more demanding academic core and either an academic or vocational-technical major.
 

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