Over the last two decades, the Los Angeles Unified School District has adopted a series of policies to improve college readiness for its hundreds of thousands of students. Among those policies was the adoption of the A-G curriculum requirements for all graduating high school seniors. These policies were intended to better prepare students for…

High school reform has now been on the national agenda long enough that people can begin reaching conclusions about the effectiveness of various approaches to it. This article discusses several strategies of high school reforms which includes: (1) improving school climate; (2) strengthening curriculum and instruction; (3) raising graduation…

The focus of this study is the implementation and effects of high school graduation requirements enacted as a result of the recent wave of state reforms of education. The study concentrates on high school graduation course requirements. Interview data on the intent and effects of the requirements were gathered in six states, 24 districts, 32 high…

This issue of CPRE Policy Briefs draws on a report by William Clune and others entitled "The Implementation and Effects of High School Graduation Requirements: First Steps Toward Curricular Reform." Evidence from this indepth study of the effects of education policies in six states indicates that state-mandated increases in minimum course…

Argues that, no matter how good and well-intentioned new curriculum and assessment reforms are, they will fail unless there are real-world consequences that motivate students to work hard in school. Educational systems fail because what students want, i.e., college admissions, jobs, and job training, are disconnected from school work. (GLR)

In May 1983, the Georgia Board of Education identified six tasks to be pursued in an attempt to improve education in the public schools: (1) strengthen high school graduation requirements; (2) establish statewide promotion guidelines for at least one grade in elementary school (the 3rd grade was chosen); (3) implement merit or differential pay for…

The effects of the mandated quarter system and the expanded and revised high school curriculum were assessed in Austin, Texas, based upon achievement test scores, attendance records, and objectively collected opinion data in seven areas of concern. The seven decision questions which affected allocation of funds, personnel, time and material…

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside's comprehensive collegiate skills program is described from proposal to implementation. Junior year students must demonstrate competence in: writing, reading, mathematics, research paper writing, and library skills. (MLW)

In response to the National Commission on Excellence in Education Report, the McHenry Community High School District in Illinois analyzed its current high school programs. The analysis is presented under five areas: (1) instructional programs; (2) student services; (3) district planning, facility, and fiscal programs; (4) athletic and cocurricular…

Asserts that the question of whether high school students should follow a uniform academic program or choose options from a differentiated curriculum has reemerged as a crucial issue. Describes how the Detroit (Michigan) Public Schools enrolled most students in a "general" track that did little to meet actual student needs. (CFR)

Reforms in education have raised two critical fiscal policy issues: How is education reform to be financed? and Do the dollars spent on education reform make a difference? Schools can successfully meet these challenges by practicing sound fiscal management and placing an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and accountability. In the future, a…

Randolph County Vocational Technical Center, Elkins, West Virginia, received a grant in 1997 for a project that was part of the High Schools That Work (HSTW) initiative to improve academic skills of career-bound students. The superintendent and faculty knew that improving achievement meant reaching out to the three home high schools to bring them…

In Florida, foreign language teaching has consistently followed national trends. Currently, there is a renaissance in language study. Enrollment has increased dramatically at all educational levels, due to a mandated state university system entrance requirement and two programs, the Florida Academic Scholars Program and Foreign Languages in the…

This resource document outlines the expectations and standards for kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs in the state of Michigan. Developed over several years in cooperation with representatives from 33 state organizations and local school district staffs, the standards suggest expectations for educational programs that may be used…