The Reform of 6 High Schools to Enhance Post-Pandemic Outcomes

Dive Brief:

• Six New England high schools are working towards improved outcomes for students by embracing a clear vision for change and the willingness to reform traditional learning practices, according to a study conducted by the Center for Reinventing Public Education and the Center for Public Research and Leadership. The study was released on Monday.
• These schools deliberately shifted school designs, instructional models, and policies to prepare every student for success on their own terms, whether that be college or a career right after graduation.
• Pandemic-related school closures slowed down innovation efforts but also increased awareness of inequities for marginalized students, the study noted.

Dive Insight: 

The study, conducted by nonprofit education research centers, involved 266 interviews with students, educators, and families between April 2022 and November 2023. The participants came from urban, suburban, and rural schools. While the findings may not represent all high schools nationally, they offer valuable insights for anyone looking to improve high school education.

The report on the study emphasized that these schools provide a challenging blueprint for the future of high school education.

The key elements of this blueprint include:

• Designing and strengthening instruction to offer flexibility without compromising expectations.
• Creating systems to support each student in developing a high-quality, personalized postsecondary plan.
• Utilizing data to measure experiences and outcomes that contribute to student success.