History: In response to the Transitional Studies Department Program Review in the fall of 1999, the department researched and reflected on the effectiveness of our high school program. By 2004, our department started to implement the CCSF Transitional Studies redesigned High School Diploma program.

In the old high school plan, the majority of students completed the required coursework through the ACE self-paced lab. This competency-based, educational program tested the students after completing modules in subjects such as Health Science, United States History, Science and Civics. However, by 1999, this individualized, self-paced, competency-based education was found not to be as effective in developing students’ critical thinking skills and the SCANS (Secretary of Labor’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) personal qualities and competencies needed to succeed in today’s workforce.

Under the guidance and encouragement of the department chair at that time, Gabriella Schultz, the department, with grant money from Fund for Student Success (FSS), contracted Peggy Doherty and Eva Shoirring to research model exemplary programs and worked with the staff to create the High School Redesign Plan.

Major components of the Redesign:

The process of redesign has been progressive. With the persistence and vision from the chair of the High School Redesign, Sharyn Zoll and the John Adams Coordinator, Kate Gougoutas under the constant guidance of both past and present Department Chairs, Gabriella Schultz and Jane Sneed, the High School Redesign is now in place.

In May of 2005, John Adams held its first graduation where students received their high diploma under the new plan.