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 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.
A wide variety of stakeholders can use this report as a toolkit to foster and support
high school renewal:
- Educators and
administrators can use this publication for curriculum development; beginning
dialogue about high school reforms; informing action planning efforts regarding secondary
school change; and planning methods for seeking student voices in high school renewal
efforts. Additionally, it can be useful in developing professional development strategies.
- Students can
refer to the document to learn how to personalize their learning and become advocates
for high school renewal.
- Employers, families
and communities can study the document individually or in groups to determine
how to become involved in the high school renewal process.
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