This publication examines school and classroom practices that increase students' understanding, raise their achievement, and equip them with knowledge and skills needed in today's world. Several approaches have been identified for high schools to consider in integrating academic and vocational studies: single course integration; joint planning across or within departments; and interdisciplinary approaches (team teaching, short- or long-term projects, thematic projects, thematic units, and academies). Four examples of ways to integrate academic and vocational studies are taken from the Southern Regional Education Board's "High Schools That Work" program. These examples from four high schools are: team teaching, short-term projects, long-term and capstone senior projects, and student portfolios. The four examples appear in blue-colored sections of the book and alternate with chapters that address the following topics: what is integrated learning? why integrate? conditions that support effective integration; and ten steps for getting started. The final chapter presents brief descriptions of thematic units used in several high schools. (ND)