Model Schools-Best PracticesAcademic Excellence :

Lighthouse Schools Share Year Two Successes
State challenge grants of $10,000 each were awarded to 10 public high schools in 2005. The grants assisted in the development and implementation of innovative programs that promote improved academic achievement and successful transition from high school to postsecondary education. The Lighthouse High Schools: Year Two Report below outlines the progress of each school on their year two activities.

Model schools use research and best practices to develop and implement programs aimed at increasing student achievement. Sharing practices and programs from the schools that are achieving the most success for all students is one way to enhance awareness of strategies and pathways to effective high school redesign.

A selection of case studies, programs, and projects to showcase "what works" in Minnesota high schools are featured on this page. These programs include examples of how schools are answering the questions:

• How do we promote academic growth for all students?
• How do we provide the academic rigor essential for Minnesota graduates to meet the challenges of the 21st Century?
• What are the components of successful high school reform?

National Governor's Association Incentive Grants
The Minnesota Department of Education awarded 28 incentive grants to high schools across the state. Grants were available in these areas: Digital Content, Lighthouse Action Research, Technology/Engineering Design, Transition Point Remediation in Mathematics and Science, and most recently, Career and Technical Education programs that lead to industry certification. The winning schools will implement programs that will serve as models for all high schools across the state. Grant winners in each category and a summary of each school's program are available on this page.

High School Redesign Symposium
Educators implementing innovative initiatives supported by Minnesota’s honor grant from the National Governors Association attended. The focus of the grant is to improve student achievement and readiness for postsecondary education through strategic changes in our high schools. Site teams shared highlights of their STEM-based programs designed to enhance technology, engineering, and design; the integration of digital content across the curriculum; remediation in science and mathematics at transition points; and, career and technical education programs of study leading to industry certification.