The model of the traditional high school sprang up in the middle of the 20th century, when even high school dropouts might earn a decent living with a strong back. But that strong-back world has evolved into a strong-mind world.
Schools that prepare all students for college, careers and life share more than high graduation rates. They share a set of expectations and effective practices captured by six essential Design Principles, which guide our work and provide a foundation for effective change.
NCNSP supports educators in innovative secondary schools to:- Believe in a common set of high standards and expectations that ensure every student graduates ready for college - schools maintain a common set of standards for all in order to eliminate the harmful consequences of tracking and sorting students.
- Uphold common standards for high quality, rigorous instruction that promote powerful teaching and learning.
- Demonstrate personalization - educators must know students well to help them achieve academically.
- Redefine professionalism, creating a shared vision so that all school staff take responsibility for the success of every student.
- Work from a purposeful design where the use of time, space and resources ensures that best practices become common practice.
- Empower shared leadership embedded in a culture of high expectations and a collaborative work environment to ensure the success of each student.
Download this PDF for a more detailed explanation of the six Design Principles.
