Comprehensive Programs
» Center for the Social Organization of Schools - Talent Development High School Program
The Talent Development High School Model is a comprehensive reform model for large high schools facing serious problems with student attendance, discipline, achievement scores, and dropout rates. The model includes organizational and management changes to establish a positive school climate; curricular and instructional innovations to prepare all students for high-level courses in math and English; parent and community involvement to encourage college awareness; and professional development to support the recommended reforms.
» Coalition for Essential Schools
CES practice is exemplified by small, personalized learning communities where teachers and students know each other well in a climate of trust, decency and high expectations for all. Modeling democratic practices with a strong commitment to equity, Essential schools work to create academic success for every student by sharing decision-making with all those affected by the schools and deliberately and explicitly confronting all forms of inequity. And, Essential schools focus on helping all students use their minds well through standards-aligned interdisciplinary studies, community-based "real-world" learning and performance-based assessment.
» College Board - SpringBoard Curriculum
SpringBoard is the College Board's rigorous and coherent plan for schools and districts in Mathematics and English Language Arts for students in grades 6 to 12.
» Commonwealth Corporation - Diploma Plus
Diploma Plus is an alternative high school model for young people at risk of not completing high school or who have already dropped out. CommCorp designed this educational model to increase the number and quality of educational alternatives for vulnerable youth. Diploma Plus schools exist in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Diploma Plus schools will be opening (or are being planned) in California.
» Cristo Rey Network
The Cristo Rey Network is a national association of high schools that provide quality, Catholic, college preparatory education to urban young people who live in communities with limited educational options. Most of our students qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program. Member schools utilize a longer school day and year, academic assistance, counseling, and smaller class sizes to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for college. All students at Cristo Rey Network schools participate in a work study program through which they finance the majority of the cost of their education, gain real world job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of their education.
» Institute for Research and Reform in Education - First Things First
First Things First, a framework for school reform, has one goal: to help students at all academic levels gain the skills to succeed in post-secondary education and good jobs. In the process, FTF helps districts and schools meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind. FTF districts and schools commit to strengthening relationships among students and adults, improving engagement, alignment and rigor of teaching and learning in every classroom, every day, and allocating all resources Š budget, staff, time and space Š to achieve the first two goals. Our partners achieve these changes using three strategies: small learning communities, The Family Advocate System, and instructional improvement. Developed by the Institute for Research and Reform in Education, the FTF framework is grounded in research about how young people develop and how schools promote studentsÕ engagement and learning. FTF continuously incorporates changes suggested by new findings, the experience of FTF sites and other reform efforts.
» National Academy Foundation
NAF sustains a nation-wide network of career-themed Academies that are organized as small learning communities. NAF students remain together throughout their high school years with a core group of specially trained teachers. NAF's small school vision emphasizes academic excellence while preparing students to pursue professional careers in the corporate sector. This vision has evolved into a premier reform model for public education throughout the country, and has helped inspire the contemporary small school/ small learning community movement. Today there are more than 630 career Academies in 41 states and the District of Columbia. NAF's Academies include: Academy of Finance, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and Academy of Information Technology. NAF connects young people to role models, mentors and teachers who are fully invested in their education and career success.
» National Center on Education and the Economy - America's Choice High Schools
The America’s Choice High School Design acts as a turnaround partner for schools and districts, raising student performance in the key areas of literacy and mathematics and building a culture of success in schools that are struggling. America’s Choice professional development and training, coaching and high-quality instructional materials are designed to ensure that students reach high levels of achievement regardless of their academic status when they enter high school. Powerful “Ramp Up” programs in literacy and math are central to this success. Teachers meet and talk collaboratively about student learning issues, student work, and their own teaching practice. Using data from regular ongoing assessments, teachers and school staff chart progress and provide safety nets in a timely and targeted fashion. The principal and school leadership team oversee implementation and maintain a relentless focus on student performance results.
» Southern Regional Education Board - High Schools that Work
HSTW has identified a set of Key Practices that impact student achievement. Following are the HSTW Key Practices that provide direction and meaning to comprehensive school improvement and student learning. These include: high expectations, program of study, academic studies, career/technical studies, work-based learning, teachers working together, students actively engaged, guidance, extra help, and a culture of continuous improvement.