‘A terrific manual for small schools or conversion efforts. Provides a logical road map and tools, and shows educators how to lead groups and engage the community in the rebuilding effort.’
—Sue Showers, Educational Consultant
Bigger is not necessarily better.
While current research shows that comprehensive high schools remain the norm, effective small-scale high schools feature lower student-to-teacher ratios, longer instructional blocks, more parent involvement, and increased advisory and student support. The resulting instructional benefits include reduced dropout rates, increased attendance, higher student achievement, and fewer discipline problems.
Based on the authors′ work at the nationally renowned Center for Collaborative Education, Creating Small Schools presents an A–to–Z guide for developing small school communities that personalize the educational experience for all students, helping them form lasting bonds with faculty and ultimately increasing their chances of going to college.
Success for students and schools depends on small class size, unifying vision, autonomy, and accountability. This research-based guidebook offers school leaders:
- Ways to establish new schools or convert existing ones
- Step-by-step instructions for developing a small schools plan
- Lessons, case studies, practical tools, advice, and vignettes
- Guidance for forging partnerships with district administration and the community
Discover how small schools can effectively reach and motivate underserved learners, and watch as achievement levels rise for all students.
Зміст
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Part I. Creating Small Schools
1. Introduction: Key Components of Successful Small Schools
2. Launching Small Schools in a Community
3. Converting Large Schools to Small
4. Building Partnerships to Sustain Small Schools
Part II. Learning and Achievement in Each Small School
5. Teaching, Learning, and Assessment for High Achievement for All Learners
6. Restructuring the School for Personalization
7. Building a Culture of Adult Learning and Collaboration
8. The Practice of a Collaborative Culture
9. Conclusion
References
Index
Про автора
Leah Rugen, publications director, has worked at the Center for Collaborative Education since 1997 as writer, change coach, and program director of the national Turning Points network. Prior to working at CCE she worked for Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, and the New York City Outward Bound Center. She began her education career teaching English and writing in public school in New York. She received her MAT in English from Brown University. Her CCE publications include Turning Points guides Creating Partnerships, Bridging Worlds: Family and Community Engagement (with Jordan Naidoo, 2003) and Understanding Learning: Assessment in the Turning Points School (2005).