In January 2007, the Oregon State Board of Education mandated a new Oregon diploma that strengthened high school graduation requirements with the aim of improving student readiness for college and career. Among the major changes was a requirement that students demonstrate proficiency in nine "essential skills" that included the…

Considerable concern is focused today on whether the twelfth grade program meets the needs of today's students. Cites some reasons for the concern and some actions that can be taken to overcome it. (Editor)

The Manhattanville College plan for change is described in relation to grading, credits for graduation, curriculum, and distribution requirements. Specific areas of change include: grading, formal academic advising, board on academic standards, curricular changes, summer sessions, interdisciplinary studies, open-door lecture service, faculty…

Philadelphia schools were the first to engage all 200,000 K-12 students in meaningful service-learning activities aligned with district academic standards and learning goals. This has meant providing professional development for 6,000 teachers, forging partnerships with 2,500 community experts and agencies, and developing an efficient evaluation…

An overview of the nature, benefits, and steps involved in Colorado's Guaranteed Graduate Program, a process that assures that high school graduates have the knowledge and skills considered essential for entry into employment and postsecondary education, begins this document. A discussion of the portfolio process follows, along with descriptions…