The high school is now the focus of attention at the national and state levels, adding urgency to long-term efforts in Illinois to improve learning and prepare students for work and further education. In February 2005, the National Governors Association called for "wide reform that will make high school, particularly senior year, more engaging, rigorous and relevant to the lives of America's youth." This paper examines the reasons why the high school curriculum has become the center of attention and evidence that what students learn in high school can make a significant difference in their success in college and careers. Course-taking patterns in Illinois and the history of policy development in this area are described. Policy options based on the most recent research and the conditions necessary for implementation are discussed. (Contains 9 tables and 4 figures.) [This report was submitted to the Illinois Board of Higher Education by the Center for the Study of Education Policy Illinois State University.]