In April 1999, the State Board of Education charged the Department of Education to convene a statewide task force to address critical issues facing Vermont high schools as the movement to renew and re-invent high schools moved forward nationally. This represented a milestone in the State s history. These questions center on the need to improve student performance with a focus on how to re-shape secondary education in Vermont so each student can walk into a high school that reflects the world of work, college, and high school simultaneously.
Students are engaged learners who are responsible for and actively involved in their own learning.
Students learn about careers and college opportunities through real life experiences and adult interaction including work-based learning, service learning, job shadowing, and career academies. Adults in the school are skilled leaders and teachers who utilize research-based practices, and effective administrative and instructional strategies to support increased student performance. The high school aligns its curriculum, instruction and assessment with the Vermont School Quality Standards and is supported by research based-professional development. Every high school adopts and publicizes a compelling vision and mission that utilizes a result-oriented approach to promote continuous improvement. Parents are active participants in their young adult s education and are provided varied opportunities to volunteer, serve on decision-making groups, assist students to set learning goals and monitor results and to support learning at home.