The purpose of this book is to help school and district leadership teams transform their high schools by connecting the key components of high school reform in ways that powerfully improve student performance. The conceptual framework of key components includes three dimensions:

Three overarching themes that form the basis for effective high school reform. These three themes include: a) connecting the learner and the learning environment, b) making the goals of high schools work at the local level, and c) connecting states, districts, communities and schools in productive ways. Each of these overarching themes will have guiding principles and examples.

Four key components of local high school reform: a) creating standards, assessment and curriculum that focuses local improvement efforts; b) creating a good school design; c) creating good instruction, catch-up and student support for all students; and d) creating the community and school context for learning: safety, diversity support, partnerships and community connections

Two levers for local improvements: a) using data and moral resolve in the context of professional learning communities and collaboration, and b) linking school leadership, organization, resources and systems support.