CATEGORY

The National High School Alliance developed six Call to Action principles—personalized learning environments; academic engagement for all students; empowered educators; responsive and accountable leaders; engaged community and youth; and an integrated system of curriculum, instruction, and assessments aligned to high standards with supports for teaching and learning. Drawing on these proven principles, The Personalized High School offers a series of first-hand accounts for implementing effective high school reform. The authors take an in-depth look at how a diverse array of schools from across the country have crafted programs to create more effective learning experiences for students, with insights on the challenges faced, lessons learned, and what this means for any educator contemplating implementing similar reforms.

The chapters are written by veteran educators who have worked in these innovative schools, and illustrate how the Call to Action principles provide practical examples for developing personalized learning plans, student portfolios and student-led conferences; creating professional learning communities for teachers; and implementing authentic assessments that empower students to demonstrate what they know and are able to do far beyond high-stakes standardized tests. Many of the chapters include vignettes written by students who have benefited from the innovative practices at the schools they have attended, providing testimony for the power of engaging students to take responsibility for their own learning. The Personalized High School is a powerful resource for teachers, administrators, district and state education officials, and community members to use in their journey to high school reform.