High Schools That Work

Key Practices

Setting high expectations

Increasing access to challenging career/technical studies

Increasing access to rigorous academic studies

Having students complete a challenging program of study

Having a structure and schedule for teachers to work together

Giving students choices for school-based and work-based learning

Having each student actively engaged in the learning process

Involving students and parents in a guidance and advisement system

Providing a structured system of extra help

Using student assessment and program evaluation

The mission of schools in the HSTW network is to prepare high school students for both postsecondary education and careers by having students complete a rigorous academic core and an academic, a career/technical, or a blended concentration.

Key Conditions

Clear Mission Statement

School Board Commitment

Leadership Team (Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher Leaders)

Administrative support for teachers in carrying out the 10 Key Practices

“I am most enthusiastic about the High Schools That Work program. I have implemented this initiative in two school districts and have personally witnessed improvements in student achievement, attendance, and discipline as a result. The data-driven decision model for improving instruction that is used by our HSTW schools is highly effective. This approach focuses the school, the students, and the parents on those things that matter and that produce results!”
Administrative support for a flexible schedule, enabling students to earn more credits
Dr. Karen Woodward, Superintendent
Lexington School District One