THE COALITION OF ESSENTIAL SCHOOLS

Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) Souhegan High School was a vanguard member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Its Ten Common Principles connected a network of progressive schools together across the United States. As 21st Century learning and next generation thinking have adopted the spirit and letter of these Principles, Souhegan High School continues to honor these ideals. 
 
Summary of the Ten Common Principles:  

1.  The school should focus on helping adolescents learn to use their minds well.

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2. The school’s goals should be simple: that each student masters a limited number of essential skills and areas of knowledge.

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3. The school’s goals should apply to all students.

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4. Teaching and learning should be personalized.

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5. The governing practical metaphor of the school should be student-as–worker, teacher-as-coach.

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6. The diploma should be awarded upon a successful final demonstration of mastery for graduation: an “Exhibition” by the student of his/her grasp of the central skills and knowledge of the school’s program.

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7. The tone of the school should stress unanxious expectation, trust and decency. Parents should be essential collaborators.

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8. The principal and teachers should perceive themselves as generalists first and specialists second.

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9. Ultimate administrative and budget targets: 1:80 teacher-student loads, substantial time for collective planning by teachers, competitive salaries for staff, and a per pupil cost not to exceed that of traditional schools by more than 10 percent.

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10. The school should demonstrate non-discriminatory, inclusive and democratic policies, practices, and pedagogies.