"A credible plan for transforming secondary education by educators already involved in pioneering the change."
Ron Brandt
Writer and Consultant, Former Executive Editor, ASCD
"Finally, a clear and practical approach for implementing genuine school improvement based on high standards. Marsh and Codding have gone beyond the rhetoric of many high school reform leaders and have addressed the needs of parents and practitioners alike. Their "collection of essays" represents a powerful and pragmatic blueprint for a new American high school. Bravo."
Robert A. Mackin, Finalist, National Principal of the Year, NASSP, and Principal Souhegan High School Amherst, New Hampshire
This book begins by focusing on where American high schools are now — based on a picture of a real, "high-performing" school. Authors share their perspectives on how high schools are lagging in preparing students for life after school.
In subsequent chapters, Marsh, Codding, and Associates paint a powerful picture of what high schools could be like. They discuss examples of reform efforts that look at classrooms, students, and outcomes in new ways.
The authors offer these proposed changes to American high schools:
- Student performance assessments that capture conceptual understanding, problem solving, and communication
- Curriculum based on student outcomes, constructivist knowledge, and school-to-career applications
- Learning activities that challenge students to think, solve problems, and collaborate
- School cultures based on enhanced learning, meaningful staff-student interactions, and ongoing professional development
If you're interested in new directions for your high school — and you want to know how to get there you need to read this guide.
Industry Reviews
"A credible plan for transforming secondary education by educators already involved in pioneering the change." -- Ron Brandt "Finally, a clear and practical approach for implementing genuine school improvement based on high standards. Marsh and Codding have gone beyond the rhetoric of many high school reform leaders and have addressed the needs of parents and practitioners alike. Their "collection of essays" represents a powerful and pragmatic blueprint for a new American high school. Bravo." -- Robert A. Mackin, Finalist, National Principal of the Year, NASSP, and Principal "David Marsh and Judy Codding do not simply challenge us to move beyond the status quo, but they provide practical how-to information and tools to motivate us to implement truly powerful school reform." -- Howard Lappin, California Principal of the Year, and Principal "This book is like a primer for those involved in high school reform. It combines theory and practice from the classroom to the boardroom. It is an important resource for those working in American high schools." -- Sherry P. King, Superintendent
