High Schools That Work An evidence-based design for improving the nation’s schools and raising student achievement

Mission  Prepare high school students for both postsecondary education and a career by having students complete a solid academic core and either an academic, a career/technical, or a blended concentration.

Major Goals  Raise achievement to national average  Blend college-preparatory studies with career/technical studies  Advance policies and leadership initiatives

Key Practices for Accelerating Achievement  High expectations  Career/technical studies  Academic studies  Program of study  Work-based learning  Teachers working together  Students actively engaged  Guidance  Extra help  Keeping score

Key Conditions for Accelerating Achievement  Organizational structure  District and school leadership  School board commitment  Superintendent and board member support  Flexible schedule

Recommended Curriculum  At least four English courses  At least three math courses  At least three science courses  At least three social studies courses  At least four courses in planned career/technical concentration or additional course work in math & science, humanities, or blended concentration  At least two courses in related academic and career/technical fields

Meaningful Senior Year  At least three academic courses One high-level math or science College-prep language arts  Project Research paper Product or service Oral presentation

The Research  Raise student performance  Increase percentages of students who met achievement goals  Gains in student achievement

Some Results  More students taking higher-level courses  More students meeting performance goals  Career/technical students outscore similar students on achievement tests  Improved attendance, graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment  Decreased dropout rates and discipline referrals

Data Collection and Use  Measure seniors’ achievement  Survey students’ experiences  Study transcripts  Survey administrators, teachers, and counselors  Survey graduates

Benefits to Students  Improves thinking  Improves academic and career/technical knowledge & skills  Connects high school and future  Encourages preparation for next goal

Benefits to Teachers  Gain confidence in helping students complete challenging studies  Create rigorous curriculum  Plan professional development aimed at raising achievement

Benefits to Principals  Strengthen leadership skills  Use incremental planning process

Benefits to Schools  Receive data to base decisions  Improve communication among faculty and staff, students, parents, employers, colleges

Benefits to Educational Reform  States adopt new long-term strategies  School leaders and teachers learn they can raise achievement of all students

Benefits to Community and Nation  Raises student communication, math, science, and technical skills  Increases earning potential  Raises bar of achievement