Publication Title:

Emerging Evidence on Improving High School Student Achievement and Graduation Rates: The Effects of Four Popular Improvement Programs

Publication Author:

Publication Key Points:

Overall, the studies indicate that instructional improvement and personalization are the twin pillars of high school reform. The research from these studies suggests that extended class periods, special catch-up courses, high-quality curricula, and training for teachers in those curricula can improve student achievement.

Further, transforming schools into small learning communities and assigning students to faculty advisers can increase students' feelings of connectedness to their teachers. Students who are behind academically when they enter ninth grade can make better progress if they receive special supports, including special courses designed to help them acquire the content knowledge and learning skills that they missed out on in earlier grades.

Publication Key Challenges:

This brief is organized according to five cross-cutting challenges that high schools face in seeking to influence student outcomes:

• Assisting students who enter high school with poor academic skills
• Improving instructional content and practice
• Creating a personalized and orderly learning environment
• Providing work-based learning opportunities and preparing students for the world beyond high school
• Stimulating change in overstressed high schools

How Audience(s) Can Use This Product to Address Challenges:

State Level Audience

States can use newly emerging research about what works in high school reform to guide policy and funding decisions. States may help districts evaluate their current high school initiatives, whether developed internally or with outside developers, to assure that curricular and instructional changes are aligned with state standards.

District Level Audience

Strong support of a high school improvement initiative by the school district helps to ensure effective implementation and the reform's continuing existence. Schools need the support of skilled personnel to design, implement, and monitor reforms.

School Level Audience

Structural changes are not sufficient to improve student achievement. Improved student outcomes may require changes to curricula, as well as ongoing teacher professional development linked to content.

Production Citation:

Herlihy, C.M., & Quint, J. (2006, Nov.). Emerging Evidence on Improving High School Student Achievement and Graduation Rates: The Effects of Four Popular Improvement Programs. Washington, DC: National High School Center.

Related National High School Center Products

• Eight Elements of High School Improvement: A Mapping Framework;
• State-Level High School Improvement Systems Checklist;
• Dropout Prevention for Students With Disabilities: A Critical Issue for State Education Agencies;
• Findings from the Early College High School Initiative: A Look at Best Practices and Lessons Learned Regarding a Dual Enrollment Program;
• Report on Key Practices and Policies of Consistently Higher Performing High Schools