Schools that put learning first
Sixteen reports on the essential schools movement — how a school is run, what a coalition changes, and where reform reaches the classroom.
The Essential Schools Movement
The Coalition of Essential Schools arose as a fortress against the apathy of the American secondary education system.
Coalition of Essential Schools
The Coalition of Essential Schools, abbreviated as CES, is a North American school reform organization.
Essential School
What is an essential school? There are a number of different educational reform movements that have emerged in the USA over the years, among them a philosophy known as Essential Schools.
Public School Governance
Good governance is essential for a culture in which the ultimate expectation for future generations is that the children will eventually be able to maintain and improve society.
Secondary School Reform
Education is getting a makeover. In the past decade, education reform at all levels has received much attention from the government and the public.
High School Reform
High school reform refers to a concentrated effort on the part of the government to address the growing problems of low achievement and high dropout rates.
What an essential school is
What is an essential school? There are a number of different educational reform movements that have emerged in the USA over the years, among them a philosophy known as Essential Schools.
All schools make use of tools to enhance and specialize education. Educational tools are seen as essential.
More to read
Lack of Sleep is a Problem for some Students
When a 20 year old college student tells you he never gets enough sleep, most people would assume that he is too busy partying and enjoying the college night life.
Beware Of Consumables Fraud When Buying Printing Equipment
When making any purchase of significant value these days, it is wise for buyers to check all aspects the purchase before making payment.
On Schools and Specialty Education Essentials
All schools make use of tools to enhance and specialize education. Educational tools are seen as essential.
4 Day School Week: Pros, Cons, States and Research
How a 4 day school week works, which states and Texas districts use it, what research shows, and the real pros and cons for students, teachers and parents.
Year Round School: Schedules, Facts, Pros and Cons
How year round school works, the common 45-15, 60-20 and 90-30 schedules, single- vs multi-track, what research shows, and the pros and cons for families.
Block Scheduling: What It Is, Types, Templates, Pros and Cons
What block scheduling is, how A/B, 4x4 and modified block schedules work in high school, sample templates, what research shows, and the pros and cons.
Project Based Learning: What It Is, Examples and Ideas
What project based learning is, the 7 Gold Standard PBL elements, examples and ideas from elementary to high school, problem- vs project-based, research.
What Is a Reform School? History and What Replaced It
What is a reform school? Learn the reform school meaning, its history for boys and girls, what replaced it today, and what parents should check.
How Much Sleep Do Teenagers Need? Hours, Causes and Tips
How much sleep do teenagers need? Experts say 8 to 10 hours per night. Learn why teens are night owls, what poor sleep does, and how to help.
What Does a School Board Do? Powers, Meetings, Elections
What does a school board do? Learn the main function of a school board, how members are elected, what happens at a meeting and how to speak.
Letter Grade Percentages: Percent to Letter Grade Chart
Learn how percentage scores convert to letter grades and GPA points. See common A–F ranges, plus/minus examples, and why each school’s scale matters.
How Old Are You When You Graduate High School?
Most U.S. students graduate high school at 17 or 18. Learn how a birthday, a state cutoff date, and grade progression affect a child’s graduation year.
Charter School vs Public School: Key Differences
Charter and traditional public schools are both tuition-free, but they differ in governance, enrollment, funding, and flexibility. Use this guide to compare the practical tradeoffs for your child.
What Is a Passing Grade in High School? Grading Scale
A passing grade is often a D or 60%, but local school and course rules can require a C. Understand grades, GPA, credits, and what happens after an F.
How to Graduate High School Early: Paths and Trade-offs
Graduating high school early requires understanding credit requirements, dual enrollment, and district policies. Discover the acceleration paths, admissions impacts, and key trade-offs before finishing early.
High School Subjects: Required Classes by Grade
Most U.S. states require 22 to 26 credits in English, math, science, social studies, and electives. Here you see which classes students take in each grade and how to plan for college.
High School Year Names: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Freshman is 9th grade, sophomore 10th, junior 11th, and senior 12th. Here you see the typical ages for each year and the seventeenth-century university origins behind the names.
Montessori Classroom: Layout, Materials and Daily Routine
In a Montessori classroom, low open shelves, self-correcting materials, and a long work cycle replace desks and lectures. Here you see how the room is set up and how a day runs.
How Many Weeks Are in a School Year? Days and State Rules
Most U.S. students attend about 36 school weeks, but state rules range from 160 to 186 instructional days. Learn how terms, breaks, and district calendars shape the year.
School Uniforms Pros and Cons: What Research Says
Uniforms make mornings easier, but research finds little effect on grades or behavior. Here is what you should know about costs, bullying, belonging, and dress codes.
The first nine pieces
High School Reform
High school reform refers to a concentrated effort on the part of the government to address the growing problems of low achievement and high dropout rates.
