The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is a high-stakes test that public school students must pass to be eligible for graduation from high school. Previous research suggests that high-stakes tests have a differential effect on students by race and ethnicity. This study finds that in one Florida school district African American and…

This report was prepared by a special task force of the National Association of Secondary School Principals to aid professional educators and community groups who may wish to consider possible changes in high school graduation requirements. The report discusses a number of issues surrounding graduation and offers some specific recommendations…

High school graduation exams are in place in nearly half the states, and more than half the nation's high school students have to pass them to earn a diploma. After a detailed analysis of the mathematics and English language arts exams in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio and Texas, Achieve reached three conclusions: (1) Tests are…

This paper discusses the national movement toward increasing high school graduation requirements and the development of alternatives to the standard high school diploma for students with disabilities. Findings from a review of state policies indicate: (1) 38 states and territories apply some graduation requirements to students with disabilities;…

In more than 90 percent of the American colleges the prevailing method of transfer from secondary school to college is by certification, based on the pupil's record in secondary school. In the large majority of cases a record of graduation from an accredited secondary school is required to every student admitted to college. When it is considered…

North Carolina says it graduates 97 percent of its high school students, while Washington state reports it gives diplomas to just 66 percent. But researchers, using methods they believe are more accurate, estimate that the two states' graduation rates are essentially the same, at around 64 percent. Acknowledging that such disparities in data are…

Too often American schools aim to satisfy the self-actualizing and higher-level needs in Maslow's hierarchy, while ignoring survival and security needs. The new State curriculum seeks to correct that deficit. To graduate, an Oregon student in the Class of 1978 will be expected to demonstrate the competencies to function effectively on the job, as…

A NATIONAL SURVEY WAS MADE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS IN AMERICAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES DURING 1965-66. THE SURVEY FIGURES SHOW THAT ONE COLLEGE IN THREE PRESCRIBES FOREIGN LANGUAGE CREDITS FOR ADMISSION AND THAT NINE OUT OF TEN REQUIRE LANGUAGE FOR GRADUATION WITH A B.A. DEGREE. IN 32 ADDITIONAL COLLEGES CERTAIN NONLANGUAGE DEPARTMENTS…

We study a set of programs implemented in Philadelphia high schools that focus on boosting post-secondary enrollment. These programs are less career oriented than traditional school-to work programs, but are consistent with the broadening of the goals of school-to-work to emphasize post-secondary education. The Philadelphia Longitudinal…

There are definitely individual reports of block schedule proving disastrous over traditional scheduling, so it is no wonder that school leaders would enter into it cautiously. This paper discusses the impact of implementing a Block Schedule on operating costs, curriculum issues, and early student graduation, as well as other problems that might…

Discusses the place of foreign language study in the public school curriculum. Argues that foreign language learning is an important part of education and that states should require high school students to take at least two years' study of a foreign language. Asserts that federal funding is not the answer. (WD)

Discusses the development of a decentralized and national qualification within the field of educational technology for the United Kingdom. (RAO)

Argues that the American high school has outlived its usefulness, largely due to the system's failure to respond to changes in adolescent development. Recommends terminating high school at age 16 and allowing students to pursue a variety of options after graduation. (EV)

A recent report by the National Collegiate Athletic Association on graduation rates indicates that athletes in Division II schools face as many challenges completing college as do their peers in Division I. Division II institutions are further hampered by lack of resources causing Division II students less likely to graduate in general. (SLD)

Congress has required that the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) produce an annual report to policymakers about the progress of education in the United States. "The Condition of Education 2016" presents 43 key indicators on important topics and trends in U.S. education. These indicators focus on population characteristics,…