High School Redesign Processes and Programs
WCPSS high school redesign initiatives “personalize” the high school experience. When students experience a rigorous academic program that is relevant to their current and future interests and they have a positive, supportive relationship with at least one adult within the school community, they can achieve all of their goals.
High School Redesign Initiatives
Small Learning Communities (SLC)
-
Department of Education SLC Grants: a catalyst in assisting schools in the creation of advisory programs, freshmen transition programs and processes, and advanced placement support for students and to engage teachers in professional dialogue about research-based teaching strategies
- New Schools Project: funded total school conversion of East Wake High School into four autonomous schools housed on one campus: East Wake School of Health Sciences, East Wake School of Integrated Technology, East Wake School of Arts, Humanities and Global Studies (2007-08) and East Wake School of Math, Science and Technology (2007-08)
- Learn and Earn Early College: Wake Early College of Health and Sciences development in partnership with Wake Technical Community College and WakeMed Health and Human Services
Increased Opportunities for Students
- Flexible scheduling models within the block schedule structure including A/B day courses and yearlong courses to increase advanced level course offerings and support student success
Advisory Programs
- Structures that connect teachers with a group of students to support their academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success in high school
Freshmen Transition Programs
- Strategies to support freshmen in a successful transition to high schools to increase graduation rates:
- Freshmen Orientation Camps held on 16 campuses during the summer
- “Adopt-A-Freshman” upperclassmen mentoring programs
- Freshmen Centers Academy programs
- Freshmen “School within a School
Schools as Communities of Practice
- School-wide professional development that brings teachers together to discuss current research about teaching and meeting student needs
- Community forums like the Wake Education Partnership-sponsored World Café for district-wide teacher and parent dialogue about high school redesign
Community Involvement
- Wake Education Partnership Regional Roundtables on high school redesign
- Parent focus groups to solicit input for developing personalization strategies