Talent Development High Schools is a comprehensive reform model for large high schools that face serious problems with student attendance, discipline, achievement scores, and dropout rates. The model consists of specific changes in school organization and management to establish a strong, positive school climate for learning; curricular and instructional innovations to transition all students into advanced high school work in English and mathematics; parent and community involvement activities to encourage college awareness; and professional development systems to support the implementation of the recommended reforms. Talent Development High Schools envisions widespread transformation of our nation’s high schools into respectful, caring and motivating learning communities that challenge all students and adults to develop their unique gifts and talents and realize their highest academic and human potential. The Talent Development High School with Career Academies was initiated in 1994 through a partnership of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk (CRESPAR) and Patterson High School in Baltimore and has now expanded to high schools in 15 states across the country and the District of Columbia. While the funding for CRESPAR ended in 2004, the work continues at the Center for Social Organization of Schools. Providing more curricular and organizational structure than other high school reform models, TDHS strives to balance commitment to the implementation of its core components with a reliance on school-based teachers and administrators to adapt the Talent Development model to meet the needs of their schools. Key Components of the TDHS Model | 
