Appendix II High Schools on the Move:
Renewing Vermont's Commitment to Quality Secondary Education (HSOM) reviews the current situation in Vermont high schools in light of recent research, literature and national trends. Based on this research, the report proposes Twelve Principles to improve high school learning across the state. These Principles place individual student learning at the center of the renewal process and focus community efforts on ensuring that each high school student and each high school meets the high expectations described in Vermont's Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities. The Principles also support New England Association of School and Colleges (NEASC) high school accreditation standards and Vermont's School Quality Standards.
High Schools on the Move asserts that the purpose of high school should be to prepare each student to use learning to forge a unique pathway into adulthood and improve the quality of life in Vermont. The report does not recommend that Vermont schools apply a uniform blueprint to secondary school renewal; each high school serves in a unique setting. Instead, it recommends that schools begin by adapting existing programs and aiming their action plans toward the Twelve Principles. The report urges high schools to include entire communities in changing the secondary school experience. By engaging families teachers, human services agencies, businesses, colleges, and elementary and middle schools in helping individual students pursue their personal aspirations and meet high standards, a high school can help develop opportunities for learning throughout the community.
Twelve Principles for High School Renewal in Vermont
Engaged Learners
Students are engaged learners who are responsible for and actively involved in their own learning.
Challenging Standards
Each student is expected to demonstrate that he or she has met challenging standards based on Vermont’s Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities or national standards.
Multiple Pathways
High schools provide each student with a variety of learning opportunities and multiple pathways to meet graduation requirements.
Personalized Learning
High schools create small, personalized and safe learning environments that provide students with stable support from adults, caring connections to mentors and a sense of belonging.
Flexible Structures
High school schedules and organizations are flexible to allow time for varied instructional activities and to provide an integrated learning experience. Learning is the constant; time is the variable.
Real-Life Experiences
Students learn about careers and college opportunities through real-life experiences and adult interaction, including work-based learning, service learning, career exploration, job shadowing and career academies.
Instructional Leadership
Adults in the school use research-based practices and effective administrative and instructional strategies to support increased student performance.
Alignment
Supported by research-based professional development, high schools align their curricula, instruction and assessment with Vermont’s School Quality Standards.
Shared Purpose
Every high school adopts and publicizes a compelling vision and mission that uses a results-oriented approach to promote continuous improvement.GH SCHOOLS
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Pre-K-16 Continuity
Every high school is a member of a pre-K-16 education system and is a partner with middle schools, colleges and post-graduation training programs to help students make successful transitions.
Family Participation
Families are active participants in their young adults’ education and have varied opportunities to volunteer, serve on decision-making groups, assist students in setting learning goals, monitor results and support learning at home.
Community Partnerships
Every high school forms active partnerships with families, community
members, business people, civic leaders and policy-makers to ensure fiscal support and to expand student learning opportunities.
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