The main challenges faced by high schools are preparing students for the workforce of the 21st century, and for post secondary educational opportunities. Yet in a 2004 review of the graduation requirements of all 50 states, Achieve Inc. discovered that "no state requires its graduates to take the courses that reflect the real-world demands of work and post secondary education." Improving the quality of high school education is essential to maintain U.S. economic competitiveness. The high school curriculum must integrate academic and applied curricula to ensure that students have both a solid academic foundation and well-developed skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication. For students to compete effectively in the information economy of the 21st century, high schools must provide a more challenging curriculum. Increasing the level of rigor for all high school students will promote the attainment of higher level skills. This Quick Key Action Guide was developed to assist educators and administrators in building capacity to comply with NCLB requirements that relate to improving the achievement of high school students, and increasing high school graduation rates. [This report was produced by Learning Point Associates.]