High Schools That Work(HSTW)

A Collaborative Effort ofThe Southern Regional Education

Board&

The Georgia Department of Education

HSTW: History

SREB/HSTWBegan 1987 with 28 sites in 13 statesNow 1,200+ sites in 30 statesApproximately 120+ active sites in GeorgiaNationally recognized model for School ImprovementData Driven

HSTW Major Goals

Get 85% of students to meet mathematics, science, and communications goals.Teach all classes including C/T to college prep standards. Increase to 90% the number of entering 9th grade students that graduate in 4 years.Increase to 85% all graduates with a concentration in C/T, academic, or blended major.Have all students leave high school with postsecondary credit prepared to do postsecondary studies.Work to increase middle grade student’s ability to complete college prep standards in high school.

WHAT DOES A HSTW SITE LOOK LIKE?

Middle School Bridge ProgramSchool Focus TeamsGuidance and Advisement System9th Grade Transition (Focus Year)HSTW Recommended CurriculumBenchmarking Standards PerformanceUsing DataSystem of Extra HelpQuality Work-based Learning ProgramSenior Focus Year

Planning Initiatives for HSTW

Sites 2005- 06

Ninth Grade Focus/Academy & Teachers As Advisors

Literacy Across the Curriculum 6 – 12

Literacy Across the Curriculum 9 – 12

New Site & Teachers As Advisors

Data for School Name

High school graduation test 11th grade first time takers pass rate

2005 = School - State 63.3%SAT score for school

CP students = ____________ T/C students = ____________ Senior Students = School ____ - State 988

Dual Seal Diplomas Number awarded in 2005 _______

HSTW Assessment Goals (last test 2004; next 2006) Reading – HSTW Goal 279 School Score - ____ Mathematics – HSTW Goal 297 School Score - ____ Science – HSTW Goal 299 School Score

- ____

ORGANIZE FOR SUCCESS

HSTW Leadership Team (May be School Improvement Team)Develop focus teams for: Guidance and Advisement Curriculum Middle and Postsecondary Transition Professional Development Evaluation, Data Usage, and Public

Relations

HSTW ExpectationsIncreased number of students taking high-level classesIncreased number of students reaching HSTW performance goalsIncrease in C/T completersIncreased students success in challenging coursesRaised SAT and ACT scoresIncreased attendance, graduation rate and postsecondary enrollmentDecrease in dropout rate and discipline referralsPossible state/national recognition

HSTW Key Practices

High Expectations: (Students and staff)Revise Career/Technical Studies: (Blend college-prep level academics taught in context)Revise Academic Studies: (Incorporate college level concepts across curriculum)Change the Instructional Process: (Engage students in instructional process)

HSTW Key Practices

Cont.

Program of Study: (Upgraded academic core with Academic, Blended, or Career major)Guidance and Advisement: (Involve each student and parent/guardian in planning program of study)Implement Work-based Learning: (Link work-based, school-based, postsecondary, to industry-recognized credential in career pathway/major)

HSTW Key Practices Cont.

Help Teachers Work Together: (Provide academic and career teachers time to plan together)Provide Extra Help and Extra Time:

(Provide a structured system for extra help)Use HSTW and Other Assessment Data for School Improvement: (A Blueprint driven by data for staff development leads to school improvement)

Administrative Support

A MUSTConsider student achievement and instruction as major prioritiesProvide data driven staff developmentInvolve teachers for buy-inShare data with teachers and staffProvide common teacher planning timeClassroom walkthroughs

Guidance and Advisement

HSTW Recommends

“Teachers As Advisors”Administration assumes leadership role in training teachersGuidance Curriculum by Grade levelEnhances parent involvementTeachers better understand students requirementsTeachers follow students for four years

SREB/HSTW/DOE Provide

Proven instructional strategies & recommended curriculumAssistance in developing site plansTechnical Assistance Visits (TAV)PublicationsEvaluation processSREB/HSTW Staff Development Conf. in July; local and national workshops

Georgia HSTW Sites

Agree toComplete Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)Provide orientation for faculty and staff membersParticipate in identified HSTW/State sponsored workshops.Develop an active site leadership team Develop focus teams for curriculum review, guidance and advisement, middle school and postsecondary transition, public relations and evaluation, data usage, and PR

Georgia HSTW Sites Agree to

Plan identified Key Practices/InitiativesUtilize HSTW funds for staff developmentAttend Summer In-serviceAttend workshops for chosen initiativeBegin or continue working on all Key PracticesParticipate in HSTW AssessmentComplete annual report for SREB and Status Report for DOE

Some Benefits for HSTW Schools

School-wide initiativeIncreased student achievementCurrent staff developmentChallenging Program of Study (Major)Guidance and AdvisementMeaningful Work-based learningImprove student performanceSupports requirements of NCLB

For Additional Information

Contact

Stan McCallar, smccalla@doe.k12.ga.us, 404-657-2531Danny Carter, dcarter@doe.k12.ga.us, 404-657-8334SREB www.sreb.org link to HSTW, 404-875-9211