Over the last six decades, communities have created large comprehensive high schools. The rationale has been that with resources concentrated in a single location, schools become economies of scale with the ability to offer students more curricular options, at less cost.
However, current research reveals that in schools with enrollments of 400 or less, students achieve at higher levels, have higher attendance and graduation rates, participate more in the life of the school, and are more connected to adults and mentors. The cost per graduate is less in small schools than in large schools.
As a result, some communities are now creating small schools. The decision to create small schools requires community commitment to, and engagement in, the change process. The entire community—educators, parents, students, employers, community service leaders, retirees, married and unmarried people with and without children in the school system—needs to be on board. Once all the stakeholders understand and accept the value of small schools, they need to decide how to initiate the change process. Two approaches are:
Both approaches require an understanding of the benefits of small schools to students, staff and the community and a commitment to implementing small school strategies.
We hope you will explore these two approaches to creating small schools. Whether you are just beginning to consider small schools or are already involved in the process, you will find useful information, tools and resources to support your efforts.
|
