Guidance counselors will play a critical role in this part of the preparation initiative. Make certain that all guidance staff work closely with other staff members to understand the new state graduation requirements and their relationship to the State High School Assessments.
	Provide a study group or action research group opportunity to all staff who are interested in investigating ways to improve student and parent understanding of the implications of new State graduation requirements.
	Hold parent and community meetings to disseminate information related to State graduation requirements. Prior to these meetings, provide training and coaching to staff concerning how to present the information most effectively and to deal with potential concerns and anxieties that may surface within audience members.
	Include in your school improvement plan potential remediation and intervention programs to support all students to experience success on the high school assessments.
	Take advantage of central office and school-based human resources to train staff in instructional strategies and differentiated teaching models designed to address the needs of such special populations as ESOL, Special Education, and Talented and Gifted relative to the new state graduation requirements and the high school assessments.

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