Rural high schools in New England use federal program to give students real-world experience

Thirteen mostly rural high schools in four New England states are participating in a project, funded by the federal Investing In Innovation or "I3" program, to "produce higher achievement and graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and ensure students’ continued success after high school" through "an inquiry-based format," Diette Courrege of Education Week reports. (Ed Week photo by Katie Barnes)

Justin Quigley, left, 16, a junior at Pittsfield (N.H.) High School, got the opportunity to shadow a veterinarian as part of the regional program, Courrege reports. Laconia (N.H.) High School had almost 30 percent of its students participate last year, and hopes to offer the program to all 680 students soon. "There are multiple ways to show kids have learned the material and are competent in the subject matter," Laconia principal Steve Beals told Courrege. "We're open to creating new and better opportunities to meet these kids' needs in a student-centered environment." (Read more)