HSTW Regions Map 

HSTW Overview

 Workshops, Conferences and Webinars Technical Assistance Visits Assessments Resources

High Schools That Work (HSTW) is an effort-based school improvement initiative founded on the conviction that most students can master rigorous academic and career/technical studies if school leaders and teachers create an environment that motivates students to make the effort to succeed.  It is based on the simple belief that most students become "smarter" through effort and hard work.  In this environment, more students will recognize that high school matters to their future, and more students will become independent learners able to set future educational and career goals and choose which courses to take to achieve those goals.  (SREB Publication, 2005)

Basic Facts about HSTW

  • Began in 1987 with the Southern Regional Education Board-State Vocational Education Consortium
  • Started with 28 sites in 13 states
  • Currently over 1,200 sites in 30 states
  • Based on goals, key conditions and key practices


The following is a summary of the HSTW key practices. For further information access the SREB website at: www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/hstwindex.asp

High Schools That Work Key Practices

  • High expectations for all
  • Challenging program of study
  • Rigorous career-technical studies
  • Rigorous academic studies
  • Relevant work-based learning
  • Students actively engaged
  • Teachers working together
  • Extra time and extra help
  • Comprehensive guidance and advisement
  • Culture of continuous improvement