
High ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ was originally created during the Industrial Revolution as a way to train factory workers. Most high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs today still follow that original model — down to the bell schedule.
But research helps us understand what works best in terms of teaching strategies and teen brain development. For example, we now know there’s no such thing as an “average” student, and it’s better to let kids learn at their own pace. Educators are finding students are more engaged when they can relate to what they’re learning and the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ culture is inclusive.
So how could your local high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ make changes to improve? This video is part of our Transforming High School project with articles, videos, Season 3 of our podcast, and tools to help parents and educators understand why high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ is the way it is — and all of the modern, research-backed ways it can change for the better. Not all ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs need exactly the same changes, but there are solutions for every community. Discover what you think will work for your child and your ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ and share it with your child, teachers, the principal, the superintendent, and the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ board. When parents raise their voices, change really can happen.
Check out The ultimate guide to college and career readiness. College and career readiness is a fundamental part of every child’s K-12 education. Our guide provides practical insights to help you support your child’s path through high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ and toward a successful college experience and a rewarding career.
Find out more about Transforming High School
- Watch: The problem — and promise — of high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ
- Read: How culturally responsive teaching prepares students for true success
- Read: What is an anti-racist ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ?
- Read: Making high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ reading more inclusive
- Read: How trauma-informed teaching helps kids succeed in ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ
- Watch: What is early college high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ?
- Watch: The power of giving students voice and choice
- Read: How ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs can help overloaded teens
- Read: 7 ways ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs can help teens suffering with mental health issues
- Read: Giving students voice and choice
- Read: Understanding the power of project-based learning
- Read: How dual enrollment can fuel college success
- Read: How mastery-based pacing helps every student succeed
- Read: The most important class isn’t what you think
- Listen: The problem with high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ
- Watch: Documentary films and videos to help rethink high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ
- Listen: Podcasts to help rethink high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ
Thank you to Barrett Rosser, PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education for sharing her expertise. Thank you to Teacher Evelyn Lara for sharing her expertise and teaching strategies. Ms. Lara teaches at IDEA Frontier College Prep, which won a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ College Success Award.