A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

     FOR RELEASE                            Contact:  Ivette Rodriguez      May 23, 1996                                     (202) 401-0262

Riley Calls for "New American High Schools"

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley called on states and communities to explore ways of creating "new American high schools" -- schools that better serve America's young people by setting them on the right course and preparing them for college and successful careers.

"We need high schools that are more personalized and equip our young people with both academic and technical skills to succeed in the classroom, the workplace and the community," Riley said. "These are schools that set high standards for all students, and working with parents, businesses and colleges, they blend academic and hands-on learning in engaging ways."

Riley's comments came at The New American High School Conference, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Research in Vocational Education (NCRVE).

The meeting brought together more than 300 educators, policy makers and practitioners to explore ways to create high schools that better meet the aspirations of families, students and the community. More than 60 education, civic, professional, labor and student organizations co-sponsored the event.

"Across the country we see educators and their community partners creating new types of high schools that are disciplined and engaging, teach students the basics and computer skills, and prepare them for a variety of career paths and post-secondary education," Riley said.

"This trend complements the significant number of new state and community education initiatives that have resulted from Goals 2000 and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, which President Clinton signed into law two years ago this month."

At the conference, 10 institutions were showcased as "new American high schools." They were chosen from among 300 schools nominated by educators, community leaders and co-sponsoring organizations. Teams of researchers from NCRVE, based at the University of California at Berkeley, screened the schools.

"Our site visits confirmed that many public high schools are actively engaged in creating new, high-quality learning environments for students and their communities," said David Stern, NCRVE's director.

"These efforts are beginning to yield significant results. NCRVE will continue to observe and document this trend so that communities nationwide have additional resources on which to draw as they work to create their own new American high schools."

These new American high schools are distinguished as schools in which students:

achieve high levels of academic and technical skills;
prepare for college and careers;
learn in the context of a career major or other special interest;
learn by doing, in classrooms, workplaces or community service;
work with teachers in small schools-within-schools;
receive extra support from adult mentors;
access a wide range of career and college information;
benefit from strong links between high schools and postsecondary institutions; and
use technology to enhance learning.

"The trend toward more personalized high schools that have high expectations is public education's response to the needs and challenges of the 21st century," said Patricia W. McNeil, assistant secretary-designate for vocational and adult education.

"These schools are organizing differently, teaching differently, seeking new partnerships and integrating academic and vocational education to better meet the needs of students," McNeil added.

"They are revitalized schools that have created learning environments to encourage, coach and support all students in learning core academics, as well as in developing self- discipline, good work habits and the technical skills they will need for college and workplace success."

The 10 high schools chosen as New American High School Conference showcase sites are:

Encina High School, Sacramento, Calif.;
Thompson Valley School District, Loveland, Colo.;
Sussex Technical High School, Georgetown, Del.;
William H. Turner Technical High School, Miami, Fla.;
Chicago High School for the Agricultural Sciences, Chicago;
Fenway Middle College High School, Boston;
Gateway Institute of Technology, St. Louis;
High School of Economics and Finance, New York;
David Douglas High School, Portland, Ore.;
Walhalla High School, Walhalla, S.C.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Detailed descriptions of the schools are available on request.