Over the last decade, secondary schools around the United States have rapidly adopted ethnic studies courses. For instance, California's governor mandated ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement in 2021 (Magcalas, 2023). According to scholars, ethnic studies courses offer educational experiences that disrupt the erasure and…

This study introduces the Strategic Universal Design for Learning Course Development Framework™ (S-UDLCD™), the S-UDLCD™ Framework for Student Success™, and the Narinesingh Traffic Light Model™--three integrated, data-driven models designed to improve student retention, engagement, and instructional effectiveness in K-12 and higher education…

This year's report focuses on efforts to redesign high schools. Those include incorporating student voice, implementing a rigorous and relevant curriculum, embracing career exploration, and more. The report also includes the latest statistics on the nation's overall, on-time high school graduation rate. Articles include: (1) To Build a Better High…

With the adoption of substantial changes to Texas high school curricula in 2013 (HB5), a central question for Texas policymakers, education and business leaders, families, and students is whether and how HB5 implementation impacts the state of college readiness and success in Texas. Comprehensive research is needed to understand the implications…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine and report how four school leaders in a mid-sized, Mid-Atlantic high school created an environment that improved achievement levels, increased graduation rates, and reduced drop-out rates for Black male students. The researcher utilized a qualitative case study design which included…

Superintendents and principals can have a positive and decisive impact on student achievement and higher graduation rates. Their essential leadership can illuminate the path to excellence for faculty and students. In upgrading curriculum and instruction, school leaders need to keep abreast of practices proven effective in other districts and…

This dissertation examines how eight urban high schools responded to mandates to raise graduation requirements in mathematics. The change process was complicated by challenges such as the conditions of poverty, lack of adequate financial support for schools, and large numbers of students who come to high school with inadequate preparation in…

This study sought to understand which aspects of current school accountability measures cause high school principals the most concern and what specific actions they were taking to address their concerns. This study took place in Genesee County Michigan. The primary method of data collection was semi-structured interviews. Thirteen traditional high…

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…

Discusses the difficulty in providing general music education for all high school students. Examines teacher resistance to such courses and negative student attitudes towards any required course. Argues that such education is valuable in that its purpose is to refine the aural perceptions and musical curiosity of all students. (GEA)

Discusses ways in which instrumental music teachers can benefit from teaching nonperformance classes and the reasons why these teachers are a natural choice for the job. Examines specific competencies of instrumental music teachers, suggesting ways they can be put to work in nonperformance classes. (GEA)

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School (New Jersey) offers a tightly structured, diversified curriculum in a nontraditional open setting. The school curriculum focuses on teaching basic skills in reading, writing, science, math, and social studies; using a variety of instructional techniques; maintaining high faculty/administration commitment to…

A common way to control curriculum at the state level has been to implement changes in high school graduation requirements. This paper documents the variation in responses across five diverse high schools in Maryland, as the schools implemented new high school graduation requirements mandated by the State Board of Education. In 1985, the board…

The Center for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) studied the background, implementation, and effects of curriculum policies, including graduation requirements, student testing, curriculum controls, and indicators. This document examines the findings about curriculum policy in the school context. A total of 188 interviews were conducted at the…

Ways to accommodate vocational electives in light of increased graduation requirements include eliminating early dismissal, offering earlier and later courses, offering required courses twice a day, minimizing schedule conflicts, allowing independent study, encouraging vocational/academic department cooperation, spreading graduation requirements…