1. Creating Small High School Learning Community

Creating Small High School Learning Communities Rationale Based on the notion of promoting a college going culture in high school, small learning communities (SLC) help foster relationships between all students, their parents, teachers, advisors, and mentors, and act as a form of academic socialization to equip them with the tools needed to succeed in college. As SLC are used throughout high school, the social structure allows students to play a more active role in their learning, thus helping them grow to be independent learners. This active role involves the creation of a support community and culture through the accessible social networks SLC promote. Furthermore, an ‘ethic of knowledge and care’ through the intimacy of SLC produces a set of standards that encourage positive academic outcomes, scaffolds difficult concepts, and addresses challenges and ways to overcome those challenges within a group setting. Whether developed as formal SLC in 9th grade, or informally as study groups, SLC provide the social support to help students develop college ready habits of the mind such as intellectual openness and inquisitiveness as well as time-management and other general skills. Additionally, SLC provide a social information network that informs student members on developing college preparedness strategies by encouraging participation and appropriate course enrollment. As part of the K-16 school system, SLC are the individuals involved in what an education entails working together within a congruent social community.

Sources Darling-Hammond, L., Ancess, J., & Ort, S.W. (2002). Reinventing high school: Outcomes of the coalition campus schools project. American Education Research Journal, 39(3), 639-673. doi: 10.3102/00028312039003639 Holland, N.E., & Farmer-Hinton, R.L. (2009). Leave no schools behind: The importance of a college culture in urban public high schools. The High School Journal 92(3), 24-43. DOI: 10.1353/hsj.0.0019 Schneider, B. (2007). Forming a College-Going Community in the U.S. Public High Schools. Seattle, WA: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Operations