HSTW is an effort-based school improvement initiative founded on the conviction that most students can master rigorous academic and career/technical studies if school leaders and teachers create an environment that motivates students to make the effort to succeed. The HSTW initiative embodies ten key practices in which participating schools work to better prepare high school students for both post-secondary education and careers. 

During the implementation year of HSTW, Berkeley High School successfully focused upon three key practices: setting high expectations, increasing access to rigorous academic studies, and providing a structured system of extra help. BHS will continue to emphasize the importance of the aforementioned key practices in addition to the seven other key practices. 

Setting high expectations

2.              Increasing access to challenging career/technical studies

3.              Increasing access to rigorous academic studies

4.              Having students complete a challenging program of study

5.              Having structure and schedule for teachers to work together

6.              Giving students choices for school-based and work-based learning

7.              Having each student actively engaged in the learning process

8.              Involving students and parents in a guidance and advisement system

9.              Providing a structured system of extra help

   10.         Using student assessment and program evaluation data for continuous improvement