Most Likely To Succeed: Policymaking in Support of a Restructured High School

Author: NASBE Study Group on Restructuring High Schools
Publisher: National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)
Publication Date: 2002
Full text available online at: http://www.nasbe.org/Educational_Issues/Reports/Most_Likely.pdf

Abstract (written by WestEd)

This is a thorough, but easy-to-read, review of the high school restructuring efforts of the past 10 years and their results. It also offers some policy recommendations regarding critical elements on which to focus in order to promote successful high school reform that will prevent dropouts and establish programs that prepare all students for work or further education after high school.

• High school reform efforts must establish a common core of rigorous standards for all and encourage every student to strive for high goals.
• The P-16 education system must be aligned and consider a grades 11-14 model (aligning last two years of high school with first two years of college).
• Students should have personalized learning experiences and teachers should be aware how their students are achieving overall.
• Schools must connect with their community for greater resources and expanded learning opportunities and developing civic responsibility.
• Lastly, teachers must have the professional development and collaboration with colleagues for staff learning and high quality instruction.