Frequently Asked Questions

Parents

• What exactly IS “High Value High Schools”?

High Value High Schools is Louisiana’s part of the nationwide high school redesign initiative that will transform the high school experience to better prepare students for 21st century educational and career opportunities. It involves increased relevance and rigor in the classroom and forming partnerships with the business community and higher education institutions. Click here to learn more about the goals and action areas for High Value High Schools.

• How does it affect a typical high school?

Because all high schools have different students with different needs and interests, it is not the goal of High Value High Schools to restrict schools to one method of instruction. Rather High Value High Schools will provide educational ideas and models that each school can choose from to best fit its needs and the needs of its community. The universal components will include the Core 4 Curriculum, End-of-Course Testing and some early exposure to career opportunities.

• My child goes to a high school that is on a six-period schedule. I heard that the new graduation and curriculum requirements will make it impossible for him to take Band for four years. Is this true?

No. Regardless of whether your child enrolls in the new LA Core 4 curriculum or opts to complete the Basic Core, he will still be able to take Band for four years.

• Why doesn’t my child’s school offer more AP Courses?

Decisions about AP course offerings are made at the district and local school level. There are several possible reasons why your child’s school does not offer more AP courses like difficulties in finding certified AP teachers or not enough students interested in taking an AP course. There are several AP courses offered through the Louisiana Virtual School( Louisiana’s online course system). You might talk to the school counselor about the possibility of your child taking one of these.

• I understand there are courses that a high school student can take for both high school and college credit. How do these work, how much do they cost, and how can I enroll my child

Dual enrollment courses, also called Early Start courses, are offered through a partnership between a local school/district and a nearby technical college, community college or university. Dual enrollment courses may be academic, career technical or even development courses from which students can receive both high school and college credit. State funding for dual enrollment allows most courses to be offered tuition-free to students. The specific courses offered, and the schedule and location of these courses are decisions vary from school to school.

Click here for more information about Dual Enrollment or you can contact your local high school counselor.

• Not all students are planning to go on to college. Why do they need to take these difficult courses?

Extensive research has shown that whether going on to college or directly into the workforce, students need to obtain the same skills in order to succeed. In today’s technological and global economy, well paying jobs —the kinds that allow one to support a family —are increasingly requiring education beyond a high school diploma. By the time today’s kindergarten students graduate from high school, more than 80 percent of all jobs will require two or more years of post-secondary education. Our emphasis is not simply on ensuring that students can enter college or the workforce —we want to ensure that they are prepared to succeed in their chosen path.

 

Business Leaders

• A student’s educational experience through elementary and middle school impacts their ability to achieve in high school. Why are high schools the focus of this initiative?

A student’s experience in preschool through eighth grade is the essential foundation for high school. Students must come to ninth grade ready for high school material or they will face significant challenges in meeting graduation expectations. Louisiana has seen significant gains in early childhood and elementary education in the last few years. Our high schools, on the other hand, have remained relatively unchanged.

• How can we help students to understand the importance of working hard in high school?

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) have taken the lead in educating business leaders around the state about how they can help our students prepare for the global marketplace. In the coming months and years, business partners will be sought out for roles as mentors and to provide students with job shadowing and internship opportunities. The greatest things our business community can provide are an example for students to emulate and opportunities for them to utilize.

• Will making high school more difficult increase the dropout rate?

Research cited by Achieve, Inc. and the Education Trust has shown that higher standards do not result in lower graduation rates. In fact, graduation rates have actually improved in many districts where more rigorous graduation requirements have been implemented. Chicago, for example, raised its graduation requirements in 1997; asking all students to complete all courses necessary for entry to competitive state universities in Illinois. Over the next few years, the district’s graduation rates actually improved. Similar outcomes were also found by Achieve in Virginia, Texas, Indiana, and San Jose, California. The keys to success in this effort will be to phase in recommended changes and additional assistance be given to districts, schools, teachers, and students in this work.

• Why do all students need to take Algebra?

Math is an essential skill for postsecondary education and the workplace.  Completing more advanced math classes is the strongest predicator of bachelor’s degree attainment, and Algebra I is the key to success in higher math.