What are Inclusive STEM High Schools? 
What are some examples of exemplary Inclusive STEM High Schools?

The OSPrI project conducted case studies of 8 exemplar inclusive STEM high schools (ISHSs) chosen, in part, on recommendations from experts as well as high standardized test scores, attendance rates, and graduation rates.

The eight schools were all college preparatory schools of choice—public and public charters—with student populations ranging from 300 to 600. These schools included “early college” high schools with a STEM focus (that offered both college and high school credits to students); tech-savvy schools that relied entirely on project-based learning (an instructional practice emphasizing student production of knowledge via projects and research); and career/technical education high schools that prepared students for college and careers such as agriculture or medicine through early experiences in those fields.

Four components stood out as consistently prominent across the 8 schools: 1) a broad and deep curriculum designed for all students with little tracking or ability grouping (meaning that most students get the same high quality learning experiences in all classes); 2) a teaching staff with advanced content knowledge; 3) a mission-focused administrative structure with a flattened hierarchy that invited collaboration with and among teachers and students; and 4) supports for underrepresented students, such as advisories with personalized college planning, tutoring or summer research programs on college campuses.