Student achievement continues to be the UEN's top priority for the 2001-2003 biennium. With all the clamor regarding the quality of public education, student achievement, safety and a host of other issues, it seems timely and appropriate for the UEN to take a long, hard and deep look at the high school as we know it today.

High school has been addressed by the secondary education directors from the eight member districts with support from the UEN office and external technical assistance. The work was introduced in the spring of 2000. A final report was presented to the membership at their April, 2001 meeting. The work is comprehensive in nature and includes among other topics, the review of graduation credits, curricular offerings, class periods, length of the school day and year, management and delivery systems.

Taking the initiative to study such a significant and critical area of public education provides the UEN member districts a "third party" review and support system as they individually address the specifics to strengthen student achievement and high school in particular.

This challenging initiative is offered as a supportive mechanism to the Urban Education Network member district as they address the priority issue of student achievement. Copies of the report can be obtained through the UEN office.

Redefinition of High School--A Vision for Iowa
This 128 page comprehensive report is packaged to be as utilitarian as possible. It can function as a single, complete document or as twelve separate subsections, each directly relating to a specific priority area. Readers are encouraged to reference the extensive bibliographies, including Web sites, to access the breadth and depth of the topic (s) under consideration. The content and bibliographies combined offer each school district thorough information and data that can and will serve them well. Even though the focus of this report is Iowa high schools, the information generated is applicable to high schools everywhere. An executive summary is also provided for your convenience.

Please make this document work for you. The Urban Education Network of Iowa is pleased with this effort and wishes the very best to all who strive to expand the teaching and learning opportunities for Iowa high school students. If you would like or need additional information, please contact us.