High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America

A comprehensive report on the American high school, released after thirty months of extensive research, including two thousand hours of observations and interviews in high schools nationwide by a panel of twenty-four observers. Contains recommendations on clarifying goals, a core curriculum, improving transition to work and higher learning, instituting a service requirement of all students, renewing the teaching profession, improving instruction, creating flexibility in schedules and facilities, improving school leadership, and strengthening connections between schools and work and further training. September 1983. A policy study. In 1983, the foundation also released a documentary, High School, based on the foundation’s book High School: A Report on Secondary Education in America. This 60 minute video was nominated for an Academy Award. The film presents seven American high schools, showing daily activities both in and outside the classroom. It highlights problems and issues confronting American high schools, such as excessive bureaucracy, and also shows spectacular teachers in action. PBS aired High School several times, and the video has been shown worldwide by the U.S. Department of State.