The size of these facilities, fitted with modern laboratories and equipment, was seen as an efficient way of allowing the greatest number of students the benefit of the current knowledge available in academic disciplines and in vocational subject areas. While many students benefited, others were lost in the anonymity of these school settings. The special needs of youngsters have been met through guidance and support services available to all students. Health issues are being more broadly addressed.
Some students receive special education services in small, self-contained classes.
Specific bilingual career and academic programs and English as a Second Language programs are implemented for students with limited English proficiency. Students identify with their house and with the counselors, teachers and other staff who also are committed to the particular house. Within the houses, house management and case conferencing are important way for staff to communicate to ensure that individual students receive the guidance and instructional support they need in order to be successful. Houses provide a mechanism for large high schools to function as smaller and more personal places. In some high schools, instructional approaches used in their houses are being revised to promote greater collaboration between teachers, and among students to achieve learning objectives.