New Hampshire has a great deal that is going right related to its high schools. That said, New Hampshire’s stakeholders also recognize that the skills and knowledge needed to succeed are rapidly changing. The purpose of this report is to inform ongoing efforts to improve high schools in New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire’s Vision for Redesign will be of great value to the NH schools and communities that seek to improve educational offerings,” said Commissioner Tracy. “It will be another way for NH schools to focus on what matters most, documenting the progress of each student, personally, socially, physically, and academically.”

Over the past several years education leaders have come together to gather research, opinions, and data on the New Hampshire high school experience. A series of meetings, forums, and focus groups were held, including two New Hampshire education summits, three statewide student forums, and the activities of a state-level high school leadership team. These activities generated input from administration, teachers, counselors, students, school boards, business and community members, as well as state and national organizations, such as the National Association of School Principals, the U.S. Department of Education, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the National Governors Association’s high school redesign initiatives.

Six guiding principles for the future of our high schools emerged from this body of discussion and research: Personalization and Relationships, Rigor and High Standards, Relevance and Engagement, Results, Empowered Educators, and Follow The Child.

The purpose of this document is threefold: to assist local educators and community stakeholders to develop a new high school delivery model that ensures every learner is engaged and successful, to inspire active, sustained participation in the process of high school redesign, and to encourage the concept of learning communities. We believe that the best changes will happen within a district and that the state will support those changes that lead to each student being an engaged and successful learner.

The document ties together the best thinking of New Hampshire secondary education leaders, national research on high school redesign, and the importance of critical aspects of the NH Minimum Standards for School Approval. Given the importance of these three essential components, it is a must read for every NH secondary school leader, school board member, and interested community members.

  Download a full copy of “New Hampshire’s Vision for Redesign: Moving from High Schools to Learning Communities.”