National High School Center
The National High School Center is a non-profit organization that provides guidance and information on high school improvement in the United States. The mission of the National High School Center is to provide research-based strategies and resources to help to ensure that all high school students perform to their fullest potential. Funded by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the U.S. Department of Education, a specific focus of their work is to provide information for students with disabilities and English Language Learners on how to succeed in high school.
The National High School Center is part of a national network and serves the 16 Regional Comprehensive Centers, technical assistance entities, which are located geographically throughout the United States. The National High School Center works collaboratively with the Regional Comprehensive Centers to assist the states in meeting high school related objectives outlined in No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
Focus areas
| Education in the United States |
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 Education portal United States portal |
In supporting the development of better high schools, the National High School Center offers tools, products, and research on high school improvement and provides technical assistance. The Center's work is categorized into three main focus areas: High School Readiness, Rigorous Content Mastery, and Postsecondary Pathways.
High School Readiness
Within this focus area, the National High School Center reports on best practices regarding the transition from middle school to high school, with a special focus on the ninth-grade year. Other areas of interest include dropout prevention, prerequisite learning skills, behavioral issues, and student personalization.
Rigorous Content Mastery
For all students, the National High School Center explores rigorous and appropriate course work. Under this topic area, the Center focuses on college prerequisites, differentiated instruction, high school literacy, Response to Intervention (RTI), and accelerated learning through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and honors courses.
Postsecondary Pathways
In an effort to prepare all students for life after high school, the National High School Center offers research-based materials on Early College High Schools, dual enrollment, and programs assisting with post-secondary pathways.