1. Provide students and parents with a high school education that actually works by teaching for enduring understanding, not simply superficial recall, with problem- and project-based learning. Encourage deep, sustained focus by providing relevant and challenging content, questions, and projects in a comfortable and disciplined learning environment.

2. Students must feel safe, comfortable, valued, and capable at school. Feelings of safety and comfort follow from a positive and balanced social climate. Feelings of importance and of being valued result from recognition within school by faculty and peers. Self-efficacy (confidence in one's capabilities and competence) must be based on student success in school activities; it is the school's responsibility to ensure that every student succeeds in challenging tasks that build the student's sense of competence and efficacy.

3. Have students participate in their education and their school as decision makers on important matters.

4. Be pragmatic about the purposes of high school education (preparation for college and work), while at the same time inspiring students to think more precisely and carefully, and to communicate more effectively. A high school should help students gain admission to and complete a college of their choice, prepare students for college and professional life, and provide real world intellectual and professional opportunities in high school.

5. Show students the richness and diversity of the academic and real world by using educational opportunities outside school. Connecting curriculum to the larger world is important so students know why they are learning what they are learning. Also, internships and apprenticeships in universities, research labs, companies, and non-profit organizations will teach what cannot be taught in a classroom.

6. Graduating seniors should be well-informed about the world in which they live, ready for college, able to make important decisions well, able to think independently and critically about what they read, hear or see, and responsible and active citizens.

7. Classroom time is precious and must not be wasted on academic content or practices that do not work. Teachers must plan carefully to ensure that instruction is focused, effective, and meaningful.

8. A school and its faculty must be committed to continuous improvement, which includes constantly seeking to improve educational materials and practices, and using information technology in ways that help students learn.

9. Core school values include parental involvement, communication, and community-building. High school students benefit from their parents' presence and participation. Parents benefit from knowing and being a part of what their children are doing at school.