Best Practices from High-Performing High Schools

by Wilcox, Kristen C.; Angelis, Janet I.

• ISBN13: 9780807751688
• ISBN10: 0807751685
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-01-02
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

In their second collaboration, Wilcox and Angelis tell the stories of high school educators who embody best practices in their day-to-day activities-practices that consistently lead to higher student academic achievement across the core subjects for all students. This book shares results of a multi-case study of how some high schools consistently deliver better student performance, including improved four-year graduation rates. These schools have learned how to successfully adapt to the climate of increased (and increasing) accountability. Best Practices from High-Performing High Schools is for anyone who strives to ensure that all teens graduate from high school and are ready to succeed in college, in their careers, and in life.

Author Biography

Kristen C. Wilcox is a visiting assistant professor at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Janet I. Angelis is associate director of the Albany Institute for Research in Education (AIRE), University at Albany, State University of New York. They are coauthors of Best Practices from High-Performing Middle Schools: How Successful Schools Remove Obstacles and Create Pathways to Learning.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
The Challenge of Best Practice in High School	p. 1
Historical Context and New Accountability Requirements	p. 4
High Schools That Meet the Challenge	p. 9
Framework and Outline of the Book	p. 14
Two Features of the Book	p. 17
Rigorous Curriculum and Expectations	p. 19
Rigor: Academics Plus	p. 21
Explicit and Inclusive Expectations	p. 23
Sharing Responsibility with Students	p. 27
Higher-Level Classes for More Students	p. 29
Key Points	p. 35
What We Did Not Expect	p. 36
Innovative Instructional Programs and Practices	p. 39
Environmental Factors Favoring Innovation	p. 41
Linking Creativity and Innovation	p. 43
Support and Trust	p. 44
Testing New Programs and Technologies	p. 49
Key Points	p. 51
What We Did Not Expect	p. 52
Transparency	p. 54
Trust and Social Capital	p. 56
Transparency and Trust Within	p. 57
History and Humility	p. 59
Knowing Students and Parents Well	p. 61
Planning Together	p. 63
Shared Goal Setting for Common Purposes	p. 64
Key Points	p. 65
What We Did Not Expect	p. 67
Evidence-Based Decision Making	p. 69
Evidence of What and According to Whom?	p. 71
Embracing Data	p. 73
Redefining Evidence of Success	p. 75
Analyzing, Interpreting, and Sharing a Variety of Evidence	p. 76
Using Evidence in Goal Setting	p. 78
Key Points	p. 78
What We Did Not Expect	p. 79
Strategic Targeting of Resources	p. 81
Rhizomes and Resources	p. 82
Envisioning and Developing Coherence	p. 84
Building Synergies	p. 88
Using Diversity as a Resource	p. 90
Key Points	p. 93
What We Did Not Expect	p. 93
Working the Framework	p. 95
The Five Best Practice Elements	p. 95
Compare, Assess, Set SMART Goals	p. 97
Continuously Improving, Learning Organizations	p. 99
School Selection and Study Method	p. 101
The Higher-Performing High Schools	p. 104
References	p. 113
Index	p. 121
About the Authors	p. 133
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