The HSTF was divided on its opinion about maintaining a large traditional high school. We agreed that if CPS did keep one such school, it should have the same elements of a small school. We want all students to have access to a rigorous academic program. Every family must make a choice to enroll in a school. This requires effective public relations and support from community groups.
Small schools can hold students accountable for their attendance and academic progress.
Conclusion Many of the ideas contained in this proposal are drawn from our research into small schools, based on existing schools in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. We also found that many of our ideas connect well with ideas put into practice by the Southern Regional Education Board, which developed and administers the High Schools That Work. This endeavor seems to be one of the very few programs that addresses the needs of high schools with some degree of effectiveness. We are confident that taking a totally new approach to the way we deliver instruction to high school students, coupled with an absolute refusal to permit social promotion, will enable us to dramatically increase levels of student achievement at the secondary level.