R3: Redesigning Cabell County High Schools for
RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS
Cabell County Schools is a 21st Century learning community dedicated to the success of every student.
To assure the district remains true to its mission, Cabell County Schools in the Spring of 2008 embarked on a process of examining the high school experience to assure our secondary schools are structured to equip all students for post-secondary success.
A committee composed of teachers, administrators, parents, high school students, and leaders from Marshall University, local government and the business community began meeting to study the research on effective high schools. The committee will devise a multi-year county plan that assures our high schools are poised to provide 21st century learning opportunities for all students. The three high schools, Cabell Midland High School, Huntington High School and the Cabell County Career Technical Center are also working with the International Center for Leadership to craft a plan for addressing the unique needs of their schools.
21st Century “3Rs”: Rigor, Relevance and Relationships
Rigor, relevance and relationships are the core pieces of effective schools. Rigor, relevance and relationships in the classroom trigger excitement for learning, increase student performance and better prepare our students for their lives beyond school in the 21st century.
Rigor: Instruction engages students in challenging coursework, requiring them to use critical thinking skills and stretching them to go beyond understanding the basic content. Teachers hold high expectations for all, providing needed supports to achieve.
Relevance: Relevance focuses on the interests of students. Instruction that is related to the real world engages students in learning experiences by providing context and motivation.
Relationships: An effective learning environment is created when staff demonstrates concern for the academic and personal needs of students.
Quality interactions are based on authentic discussions. Expectation and encouragement to succeed is given first priority.
