The Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) is a network of high schools guided in their restructuring efforts by ten common principles. CES proponents believe, for example, that schools should establish clear goals and standards that apply to all students but are tailored to the individual and focus on a limited number of essential skills; that teachers should act as a coach and generalist and have time to plan and collaborate; that students should learn to think and exhibit mastery of essential skills; and that parents should actively participate in planning and running the school. Based on the nine principles, each school designs its own plan of action. Theodore Sizer developed the model at Brown University in 1984.
For more information, refer to the Coalition of Essential Schools home page.
