Students in small schools in New York had higher graduation rates and lower dropout rates than their peers in larger schools

Students in small schools in Chicago had dropout rates one-third lower than students attending big schools.

Students in small schools feel less alienated and tend to be more actively engaged in school activities. Students in small schools are far less likely to experience physical danger.

Small schools create professional learning communities where teachers have the opportunity to work collectively to improve student skills and curriculum.

Small high schools can provide a personalized learning environment where every student has an adult advocate.

• One-quarter of American High School students read below basic levels
• American High Schools fail to graduate 30 percent of their students on time
• American High Schools prepare only 7 percent of students from our country’s poorest families for college

Small Schools show the most promise for raising the achievement levels of disadvantaged students
 

Wall-to-Wall Schools at Hamilton, Part I

First in a series of stories on Hamilton High School, this piece highlights the campus’s newest small school, Business and Interactive Technology (BIT), led by Dina Kraemer. “I think every small school director ought to teach freshmen.  You get a much better sense of your students and of what your teachers are working with.  Soon after becoming Director of BIT, Kraemer began teaching 9th grade algebra.  Teacher Marcus Lee commends the principal and deans saying, “...the leadership at BIT is extraordinary.  Dina is a visionary.”  A student claims, “It was pretty boring at middle school...a lot less activities there.  It’s pretty fun here.”  story

February Headlines

An Unmistakable Passion:
Jefferson High School Leaders Rediscover Inspiration with Two Former Oakland Principals

Roosevelt High School Conquers Your Master Schedule Fears

Update on the Next (FY2004) SLC Grant Competition

SLCs Included in Schwarzenegger’s State Education Budget See Story and Budget Summary

SLCs Cut from Bush’s Federal Education Budget See The Education Budget and Expanding the Promise of No Child Left Behind

Introducing CES ChangeLab

UNITE-LA Study Tours

In an effort to support your SLC development, UNITE-LA is facilitating several Study Tours. For information, contact Alma Salazar at 562 438-4474 or asalazar@unitela.com