Rigorous/Relevant Instruction
Recommended Practice: Students must be prepared for postsecondary education and careers beyond high school. Schools can implement strategies aimed at improving the rigor of classroom instruction as well as its relevance to students' lives. This will help ensure that students have the necessary skills to complete high school, succeed in college without remediation, and succeed in the workplace. Districts and schools may complement rigorous and relevant instruction with personalizing the learning environment.
- Overview & Tools: Video overviews and professional development materials
- Learn What Works: Expert interviews about rigorous and relevant Instruction
- See How It Works: Videos and sample materials from schools
Engaging Students and Providing Skills Needed to Graduate Through Rigorous and Relevant Instruction
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview describes how schools can bolster student engagement by offering rigorous and relevant instruction and multiple pathways to career and postsecondary options.
Resource Type
Overview
Providing Rigorous and Relevant Instruction to All Students
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > Learn What Works
Dr. Monica Martinez of the KnowledgeWorks Foundation shares strategies that schools can implement to provide rigorous and relevant instruction. These strategies include a common core curriculum for...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Increasing Rigor for Special Education Students
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
Listen to a high school associate principal explain how co-teaching provides special education students access to a rigorous curriculum. The sample material, Special Education Student Access to...
Resource Type
School Example
Engaging Parents and the Community
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
See the strategies Foxfire Center for Student Success uses to engage students, parents, and the community. Community involvement is emphasized at Foxfire. Activities such as “Curbside Coffee” and...
Resource Type
School Example
Guidance News
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
This article from Tales of the Hollow, Sleepy Hollow High School's newsletter, describes the assistance offered to students in preparing for college. It shows some of the activities that schools...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Professional Learning Time Log
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
Teachers at Foxfire Center for Student Success meet daily before school begins for professional learning time. The principal sets a focus for each week and asks that teachers use this form to...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Special Education Student Access to General Education Curriculum
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
A high school administrator uses these slides to describe the school's scaffolded approach to inclusion for its special education students. The audio interview, Increasing Rigor for Special...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Project Y.O.U.
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
This presentation describes the Project Y.O.U. Transition Program at Sleepy Hollow High School. It is a work/study program with academic support and employment for students at risk of academic...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Senior Project Requirements
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > See How It Works
Here are the requirements for Foxfire’s mandated senior project, which include career exploration, postsecondary goal setting, personal reflections, and community participation. The senior project...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Planning Together: Rigorous and Relevant Instruction for Dropout Prevention
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > Overview & Tools
This planning tool can be used to reflect on past and current professional development opportunities for teachers.
Resource Type
Tool
Self-Reflection Tool: Rigorous and Relevant Instruction for Dropout Prevention
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > Overview & Tools
This self-assessment can be used to focus on improvement in teaching and learning by making teachers aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their practice. It can be used to reflect on their...
Resource Type
Tool
Learning Together: Creating Professional Learning Communities
Dropout Prevention > Rigorous/Relevant Instruction > Overview & Tools
This workshop framework will provide points to consider when creating a professional learning community.
Resource Type
Tool
