College Acceleration

Overview

A first in its field, this guide draws a new conceptualization for high schools from the powerful nexus of research and practice found in the best research hospitals in the country. This original idea is applied to a new set of expectations for the 21st-century high school where all students are prepared for college and careers. Detailed are key insights, such as how to develop a system of innovations and build state university relationships for college programming that is affordable and accountable, and offers a pragmatic approach to high school strategic planning. This book will inspire business, policy, and education leaders to act with a common focus—college acceleration that transforms high schools to improve state and regional economies.

Reviews

“Part essay, part homily, part documentary, College Acceleration makes it clear what’s wrong with today’s high school and the path we must follow, not only to improve it, but to transform it.”  —David T. Conley, PhD professor, University of Oregon, and CEO, Educational Policy Improvement Center

“Through his personal journey as an educational leader, Ban demonstrates that the power to transform resides with teachers and the school leaders who want to grow the craft of teaching while shaping the very systems that control what they do.”  —Naomi Norman, cofounder, International High School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

“Lessons learned from Ban’s work at Crown Point will inform our goal of expanding learner-centered secondary school options starting in seventh grade through college for all Michigan students through the coordination of the college acceleration networks.”  —William Miller, executive director, Michigan Intermediate School District Association

“Dr. Ban is a talented educator who offers a powerful, pragmatic and insightful approach for bringing big ideas into a school environment with one clear purpose—college and workforce readiness for all students.”  —Dr. Mike Riggle, superintendent, Glenbrook, Illinois

“A must read by superintendents and principals as well as higher education and business leaders looking for a high school revolution.”  —Dr. Peggy Buffington, former chair, Northwest Indiana Superintendent’s study council, and superintendent, Hobart, Indiana

“By including examples of resolving the issues that arise in one high school’s creative journey, College Acceleration demonstrates a prototype for high school improvement that others can emulate.”  —William J. Leary, school administrator

Author Biography

Eric J. Ban is the principal of Crown Point High School in Crown Point, Indiana, which has secured the designation as the first college acceleration research high school in the country by ACT. He lives in Crown Point, Indiana.