"A must read for those seeking high standards for all students. With unusual insight, the authors address the major issues, offering inspirational examples of schools that succeed." --Jerome T. Murphy, professor and dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education This timely, tough-minded book shows how American public schools can be saved by instituting high standards for academic achievement. It explains not just what the standards movement is about and why it is important, but also what it will take to bring every student up to high standards, no matter where that student starts. Tucker and Codding focus on empowering both students and adults by giving students the gift of high expectations and by giving school professionals the information, skills, authority and resources needed to do the job. They advocate building a standards-based instructional system, creating a results-oriented culture devoted to continuous improvement, and making the institution and the people in it accountable for reaching the goals set by the standards.

"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.

"A must read for those seeking high standards for all students. With unusual insight, the authors address the major issues, offering inspirational examples of schools that succeed." --Jerome T. Murphy, professor and dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education This timely, tough-minded book shows how American public schools can be saved by instituting high standards for academic achievement. It explains not just what the standards movement is about and why it is important, but also what it will take to bring every student up to high standards, no matter where that student starts. Tucker and Codding focus on empowering both students and adults by giving students the gift of high expectations and by giving school professionals the information, skills, authority and resources needed to do the job. They advocate building a standards-based instructional system, creating a results-oriented culture devoted to continuous improvement, and making the institution and the people in it accountable for reaching the goals set by the standards.

"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.