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CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
NH
CAN
OLS
U.S. DEPARTMENT DE EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOLS AT THE LEADING EDGE OF REFORM
What Are New American High Schools?
Able to apply knowledge and skills effectively in
work. family and community
New American High Schools are preparing all students
Able to reason. understand and analyze information
to meet the challenges of the 21st century. They are
Technologically competent
committed to achieving high academic standards for all
Continuous learners
students, preparing all students for postsecondary
education, and providing students opportunities to
learn about and explore careers. They have high rates of
attendance and high school completion, increased
Technology to Enhance Achievement. They use
college enrollment and student achievement. They differ
technology to expand access to information. enhance
from traditional high schools in many ways:
instruction. manage schedules and analyze student
progress.
High Standards. They have clear standards and high
Results Oriented. They use a wide variety of student
expectations for all students.
assessments to ensure that students have mastered
Small and Safe Environments. They create small,
their subjects. They use student assessment and
safe learning environments where students feel
evaluation data to continually improve instruction.
connected to the school and are known well and
staff development. management. and organization
supported by caring adults.
with the central goal of increasing student
What Is the New American
achievement.
Teachers Working Together. They have well
prepared teachers and provide time for teachers to
Strong Partnerships. They cultivate strong
High School Initiative?
plan and work together.
partnerships with parents. middle schools.
The Department of Education launched the New
Strong Principal Leadership. They have principals
postsecondary institutions. community leaders. and
American High School Initiative in 1996 In coordination
who provide strong, effective leadership. and who
employers.
with Blue Ribbon Schools. the department recognizes
work collaboratively with teachers on school
outstanding high schools that are committed to high
Why Do We Need New
standards for all students and have achieved excellent
improvement.
results. The initiative showcases schools that represent the
A Focus on Student Learning. They focus on
American High Schools?
broad range of high schools in the country:
learning, not just on earning credits. They make
Reports from the National Center for
comprehensive high schools. magnet schools. redesigned
learning relevant. They help students understand
how their classroom learning can be used outside the
Education Statistics show that many
vocational-technical schools. charter schools. theme
school. They offer internships and community
students are not receiving the
schools. pilot schools and alternative schools serving the
service learning. They provide extra help to students
academic preparation needed to
needs of at-risk youth.
after school, in the summer and on weekends so they
succeed in college and the
As part of the initiative. the department provides
can meet higher standards. They have fewer class
knowledge-based economy of the
information and technical
periods so that students can focus on subjects in
21st Century
assistance. conducts research
depth and have time for projects and experiments.
More than 20% of young Americans between the
and evaluations. and promotes
ages of 18-25 do not graduate from high school.
standards-based reform efforts.
Of the high school graduates who go on to college.
half drop out by the end of their sophomore year.
To succeed in the Information Age, students
need to be:
Knowledgeable. with a high level of academic skills
Effective communicators. thinkers and
problem-solvers
How Can Your School or a School in
Your Community Become a New
Access Our Resources and Products:
American High School?
Call 1-800-USA-LEARN to receive:
Schools compete to become New American High
Applications (package also available on our web site)
Schools. Schools must supply compelling evidence
New American High Schools: Schools at the Leading
indicating that they have undertaken standards-based,
Edge of Reform
locally driven reform efforts that positively affect key
Aiming High: Strategies to Promote High Standards
indicators of school improvement and student success.
In Their Own Words: Students and Educators Talk
Documentation must include:
about What Matters
Key High School Reform Strategies: An Overview of
Increases in student achievement
Research Findings
Increases in student enrollment at postsecondary
New American High Schools Video
institutions
A list of New American High Schools that you can
Increases in student attendance
contact directly to discuss strategies that work.
Reductions in student dropout rates
If you are interested in learning more, you can get the
Visit Our Website
dates of competitions, a copy of the application, case
studies of successful schools, research findings on high
Web Site: www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/nahs
school reform, or even take a virtual tour through a
Virtual Tours: New American High Schools Up
New American High School. Visit our web site at
Close - CD-ROM video on the Department of
www.ed.gov/offices/OVAE/nahs or call
Education's home page at www.ed.gov.
1-800-USA-LEARN.
What are the Benefits of Becoming
A New American High School?
Schools that become New American High Schools
receive immediate benefits. Schools, their districts, and
communities gain public recognition of their success.
Each school receives a small stipend to cover the cost of
outreach and information sharing activities, including
participating in a network with other New American
High Schools. Schools have access to a wide variety of
technical assistance, including ways to improve their
accountability systems and use data for continuously
NEW AMERICAN
improving school performance. New American High
HIGH SCHOOLS
IEWAMERICAN
Schools also inform policy and practice at the federal
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOLS
and state level.
T OF
1-800-USA-LEARN
Schools the Leading Edge of Reform
New American High Schools
How Does My School Become a
New American High School
Why is this important to my school
The nation is working to reform K-12 education and build School-to-Work Opportunities
systems in order to prepare all students with the high level academic and technical skills
necessary to succeed in the 21st century. The New American High Schools initiative is focused
on high schools that are committed to ensuring that all students meet challenging academic
standards and are prepared for colleges and careers.
At the national, state and local levels much attention is being paid to the lack of academic
preparation being exhibited by high school students. Data from the National Center for
Education Progress clearly show that students are not receiving the academic preparation needed
to succeed or compete in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century. Further, almost half
of the students graduating from the nation high schools today do not possess even the basic
skills needed to successfully complete a college education or to move up a career ladder in an
entry level job. While the research seems to indicate a compelling need for whole school reform,
a nationwide search by the National Center for Research in Vocational Education (NCRVE) in
1996 uncovered only 31 high schools that had undertaken comprehensive whole school reform
efforts. The Consortia for Policy Research in Education has estimated that at the current rate of
reform only 20 percent of high schools will have incorporated reforms by the year 2000.
The Department of Education has embarked on an aggressive strategy to address these
challenges and those further highlighted by the recently released results of the Third
International Math and Science Study through the New American High Schools initiative.
Nationally, this initiative aspires to transform high schools into institutions, which fully prepare
students to meet the challenges of a changing technological and increasingly competitive global
economy. New American High Schools are places where innovative instructional techniques,
leading edge technology, enhanced and targeted professional development, community service
and integrated work based experiences and community based partnerships are utilized to
transform the high school experience, resulting in increases in student achievement and
performance. Towards the promotion of such whole school reform efforts, the Department feels
it is critically important to recognize and applaud schools striving to prepare students to meet
high academic standards and realizes the potential these and future New American High Schools
have to offer communities across the nation.
Where we have been and where we are going
In 1996, the Department chose Ten New American High Schools with assistance from the
National Center for Research in Vocational Education for their innovation and commitment to
academic excellence. These schools were also awarded the Seventh Annual Business Week
Awards for Instructional Innovation at a national conference sponsored by the Department of
Education and co-sponsored by more than 60 education, business and community partners.
Throughout 1998, 1999 and into 2000, the Department intends to expand the New American
High Schools initiative through a three pronged solicitation-based approach:
1. Collaboration with the Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Schools identified as 1998
Blue Ribbon Secondary Schools had the sole opportunity to apply for New American
High School recognition during the summer of 1998. Thirty-five of the one hundred
twenty 1998 Blue Ribbon Secondary School award winners applied for this recognition
and seven schools were competitively selected as the 1998 New American High Schools
showcase sites. The seven showcase sites received formal acknowledgement at the Blue
Ribbon Schools recognition ceremony held on November 12, 1998. The 1999-2000 Blue
Ribbon Secondary Schools competition will fully integrate the New American High
Schools initiative through its inclusion as a permanent special emphasis area category.
The 1999-2000 Blue Ribbon application requirements were published in October 1998.
2. Open solicitation for "at-large" schools. The Department intends to solicit nomination
packages for 1999 New American High School recognition. The 1999 recognition
process will be co-sponsored by a national school reform organization and expects to
identify as many as 80 new national showcase sites. The application requirements will
likely be published by the Spring of 1999. Formal school selections will be announced
during the Fall of 1999. This solicitation will be open to any high school engaged in
comprehensive school reform efforts and committed to implementing strategies reflected
by the New American High School initiative.
3. Schools nominated by partner high school reform networks. In September 1998, the
Department awarded contracts to Jobs for the Future, the Southern Regional Education
Board, and Sonoma State University with the intention of linking the New American
High School initiative to activities and reform strategies supported by these education
reform networks. The discrete purpose of the project is to infuse New American High
Schools strategies into network philosophies, technical assistance themes and products,
and support and establish a nomination pool of schools for future New American High
School recognition. Partner networks will nominate network schools for recognition
throughout late 1999 and 2000.
What are the expectations and the benefits
A core philosophy of the New American High Schools initiative is that the responsibility of
public service accompanies the reward of public recognition. This initiative spotlights
educational successes and offers meritorious schools the opportunity for public praise and
validation for their accomplishments. As models of excellence and equity, New American High
Schools have much to share among themselves and with other schools that aspire to similar
success. To facilitate outreach and information sharing activities, scaled to the level expected
under a nationally recognized program, the Department intends to provide each recognized New
American High School with a small stipend to offset the financial burden of such activities on
the schools.
Beyond public recognition, designation as a New American High School will provide several
key benefits for a school community. Schools will have access to technical assistance and
support through network partners and apprised of cutting edge research findings and grant
opportunities throughout the Department. Future activities include initiatives designed to develop
a learning community of existing sites and further technical assistance and information sharing
ventures.
Your questions or comments are always welcome. Feel free to direct them to the Department of
Education via 1-800-USA-LEARN or contact the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at
(202) 205-5451 or via email at [email protected].
The New American High Schools Initiative:
Supporting High School Improvement Through Reform Networks
The U.S. Department of Education is spending $ 4.6 million to assist high schools with
their school reform efforts. By collaborating with existing national and regional reform
networks, the Department gains access to hundreds of schools already in the process of
change. To support its New American High School (NAHS) initiative, the Department is
contracting with three networks:
Southern Regional Education Board, (SREB), Atlanta, Georgia
Jobs for the Future (JFF), Boston, Massachusetts
California Institute on Human Services/Sonoma State University in collaboration
with the California Department of Education
These networks have strong working relationships with their member high schools. The
network have the ability to assist high schools to implement whole-school reform
strategies resulting in all students meeting both challenging academic standards and
acquiring the communication, problem solving, computer, and technical skills necessary
to pursue college and careers.
By funding SREB we will be able to reach their 800 plus schools in 22 states. The High
Schools That Work initiative is a whole-school, assessment-based school improvement
effort that ensures a rigorous academic curriculum for all students. Through our contact,
SREB will work intensively with 25 schools relative new to their network to assist them
to become NAHS. In addition, SREB staff will share the elements of the NAHS with the
rest of their schools and school districts.
The Jobs for the Future (JFF) Benchmark Communities Network activities will serve to
strengthen each participating school and district's capacity to create and sustain a district-
wide reform network. Forty lead schools and up to 30 participating school districts will
implement whole school reform principles that mirror the NAHS elements. By assisting
fellow districts, the Department will add numerous schools to the list of practicing
NAHS.
The collaboration of the California State Department of Education and Sonoma State
University provides a unique opportunity for reform in California on a large scale. The
focus of the New California High Schools Network will be to address technical assistance
needs and increase the capacity of all 193 Network schools to institute whole school
reform reflecting the NAHS strategies. The California High School Network was
founded to follow the principles of Second to None: A Vision of the New California High
School. With the support and funding from the State Department and expert technical
assistance from Sonoma State University, this effort should result in many schools
becoming New American High Schools.
ABSTRACT: NEW AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL NETWORKS AWARD
One of Three
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), Atlanta, GA
Subcontractor: MPR Associates, Berkeley, CA
Total Award
: $1,537,000
Award Dates
: October 1, 1998 to March 31, 2000
Network
: High Schools That Work (HSTW) includes over 800 schools
No. of Schools
: 25 HSTW schools with at least 15 urban areas
School Grants
: $10,000 for additional specialized assistance
Evaluation
: Baseline and follow-up data will help guide schools in their reform
efforts. Data to be collected even after federal funding ends.
Goal
: To provide targeted technical assistance to these schools at an
accelerated rate to move them toward the "ideal vision of a New
American High School"
Conference
: The New American High Schools That Work will be featured at
SREB's yearly summer conference
Products
: Mentor and Facilitator Guides, Final and Evaluation Reports
Strategies
: SREB and MPR will enlist mentors from the top HSTH
to help these sites with school-wide improvements. In
addition, each school will be provided their own School
Improvement Facilitator to work with staff so all students
can meet challenging academic standards, master technical
knowledge and skills, and expand their understanding of career
and post-secondary options.
Contact:
Ione Phillips
Southern Regional Education Board
592 10th Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
Phone: (404) 875-9211 ext. 248
ABSTRACT: NEW AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL NETWORKS AWARD
One of Three
Jobs for the Future (JFF), Boston, MA
Total Award
: $1,534,000
Award Dates
: October 1, 1998 to March 31, 2000
Network
: JFF's Benchmark Communities Initiative
No. of Schools
: 40 "lead" schools in year one; 30 in year two
School Districts
: Seattle, Philadelphia, Rhode Island Cluster, North Clackamas, Oregon,
and Boston are Phase I Districts. Phase II will add New York,
Minneapolis, Kansas City, Oakland, and Fresno.
School Grants
: 5,000 for targeted professional development
Evaluation
: Benchmark Communities evaluation and assessment
Goal
: To accelerate whole school reform in high schools with the close
cooperation and guidance of their school district, and to create and
sustain a district-wide reform network
Conference
: High Schools in Transition Conference co-sponsored by JFF and the
Coalition of Essential Schools in 1999
Products
: Whole School Change Toolkits; High Schools in Transition: Six Case
Studies; Design Studios; Partners in Change:
Districts, Schools, Communities
Strategies
: Several schools will serve as "Whole-School Change Design Studios."
These Studios along with a Peer Learning Network will accelerate
Transfer of skills and experience among participating schools. In
addition, National Professional Development Institutes will be designed
for Educational leaders and Coaching Institutes for teachers.
Contacts:
Lili Allen
Jobs for the Future
88 Broad Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Phone: (617) 728-4446
ABSTRACT: NEW AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL NETWORKS AWARD
One of Three
California Institute on Human Services
Sonoma State University, CA
In Collaboration with
California Department of Education
Total Award
: $1,519,000
Award Dates
: October 1, 1998 to March 31, 2000
Network
: California High School Network-over 193 schools
No. of Schools
: 20 schools will receive intensive assistance, 173 schools will also
Benefit directly
School Grants
: $27,000 each for 20 schools
Evaluation
: Third party evaluation will include assessment of progress toward
toward reaching NAHS goals
Goal
: To use the 20 model schools as learning centers for the remaining 193
schools in this California Network and finally as models for the
remaining 1,000 plus high schools in California.
Strategies
: The augmented network services include a series of targeted
Workshops; on-site, on-line, and on-phone technical assistance
by learning coaches; web-site support providing promising practice
descriptions; and school to school site visits.
Contact:
Dr. Eileen Warren
California Institute on Human Services
Sonoma State University
P.O. Box 51724
Riverside, California 92517
Phone: (909) 686-4296
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NEW AMERICAN
HIGH SCHOOLS
In
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Their
Words
STUDENTS AND
EDUCATORS
TALK ABOUT
WHAT MATTERS
NEW AMERICAN
HIGH SCHOOLS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Room 4080
Washington, DC 20202-7100
CLINTON LIBRARY PHOTOCOPY
NEW AMERICAN
HIGH SCHOOLS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
MES - 4090
Washington, DC 20202-7100