This report lists the concluding recommendations of the Florida High School Reform Task Force. The task force had the following goals: to increase the academic achievement levels of high school students, to improve the graduation rate, to increase the percentage of students who begin their postsecondary college or career path while in high school, and to change the culture of high school. The concluding high school-specific recommendations include: developing a new school diploma based on student interest, recognizing differentiated levels of proficiency, eliminating grade-level retention, and implementing smaller learning communities. The report also addresses the need for building a strong foundation at the middle-school level in order to guarantee high school success, including developing five-year educational plans. Finally, the report recommends expanding academic support services and providing greater professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators.
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Background and Context
Students are most at risk of dropping out during their first year of high school. Initiatives like ninth grade academies, smaller learning communities, advisory systems, and individual learning plans can serve to personalize a student’s transition into high school and better equip them to face the new challenges that arise during that time.
