New Thinking, New Models, New Approaches Lead to Improved High School Graduation Rates, Increased Opportunities For Students Often Left Behind
Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 21, 2009 -- A student-centered curriculum, close relationships with teachers, and real-world internships are the hallmarks of a education model that can best serve students most at risk of dropping out, according to a panel of researchers, students, and education reform advocates currently on the front lines of the school improvement and innovation efforts.
Big Picture Learning hosted a Washington event yesterday presenting the non-profit’s research-proven approaches for boosting high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates. Participants in Big Picture Learning’s “Disruptive Innovation” Summit provided tested solutions for helping policymakers ensure all young people, especially those most at risk, gain access to the pathways toward meaningful high school diplomas and life opportunities.
“With the U.S. Department of Education focusing on research-based innovations to school improvement and educational opportunity, we must ensure we are providing real, relevant solutions to all students, particularly those from historically disadvantaged groups,” said Dennis Littky, co-founder of Big Picture Learning. “For more than a decade, we have worked with school leaders to provide the innovation necessary to have a lasting impact for the students who traditionally struggle in the traditional education model.”
Big Picture Learning currently works with more than 130 schools across the globe, helping school leaders adopt a new school model that focuses on small schools, close relationships with students and advisors, individualized curricula based on student interests, relevant and extensive student internships, and a requirement that every student take college entrance exams. In 2006-2007, Big Picture schools achieved a 92 percent graduation rate (compared with 52 percent nationally), with 95 percent of all Big Picture students accepted into college. More than eight in 10 Big Picture schools receive federal Title I funding, while 66 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced lunch. The Gates Foundation regularly recognizes Big Picture Learning for its leadership in high school reform.
Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 21, 2009 -- A student-centered curriculum, close relationships with teachers, and real-world internships are the hallmarks of a education model that can best serve students most at risk of dropping out, according to a panel of researchers, students, and education reform advocates currently on the front lines of the school improvement and innovation efforts.
Big Picture Learning hosted a Washington event yesterday presenting the non-profit’s research-proven approaches for boosting high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates. Participants in Big Picture Learning’s “Disruptive Innovation” Summit provided tested solutions for helping policymakers ensure all young people, especially those most at risk, gain access to the pathways toward meaningful high school diplomas and life opportunities.
“With the U.S. Department of Education focusing on research-based innovations to school improvement and educational opportunity, we must ensure we are providing real, relevant solutions to all students, particularly those from historically disadvantaged groups,” said Dennis Littky, co-founder of Big Picture Learning. “For more than a decade, we have worked with school leaders to provide the innovation necessary to have a lasting impact for the students who traditionally struggle in the traditional education model.”
Big Picture Learning currently works with more than 130 schools across the globe, helping school leaders adopt a new school model that focuses on small schools, close relationships with students and advisors, individualized curricula based on student interests, relevant and extensive student internships, and a requirement that every student take college entrance exams. In 2006-2007, Big Picture schools achieved a 92 percent graduation rate (compared with 52 percent nationally), with 95 percent of all Big Picture students accepted into college. More than eight in 10 Big Picture schools receive federal Title I funding, while 66 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced lunch. The Gates Foundation regularly recognizes Big Picture Learning for its leadership in high school reform.