The lack of research on grading policies for handicapped students is pointed out, and results of a survey completed by 14 high schools in New Hampshire are summarized. Results reveal a variety of grading and graduation approaches including weighting grades or courses, developing a basic level curriculum geared for students having academic…

The paper introduces issues regarding graduation of handicapped students. Modifications to graduation requirements include course substitutions; curricular, method, evaluation or materials modification; and additional time allotted for completion of the degree requirements. Requirements for graduation from Show Low High School are listed under the…

This paper contains descriptions of mandated minimum competency programs in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Vermont. Each description provides the skills assessed in the state, the assessment instruments used, and the overall purposes of…

This bulletin provides a foreword to the Program of Studies series published by the Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools. This series outlines the unified curriculum for students from kindergarten through high school. A statement of educational goals of the system and a discussion of educational standards and requirements for graduation from…

This curriculum guide for the high schools in Community Unit School District 300, Dundee, Illinois, provides a description of the available programs, grading procedures, requirements for graduation, a semester to quarter conversion sheet, and course descriptions organized by department. (MLF)

This document presents the graduation requirements of the Bloomfield Hills public schools. It includes the credits that must be earned in grades 10-12 and the minimum competencies that must be achieved in each of 14 areas, including measurement skills, speaking skills, communication skills, employment and career skills, and physical fitness.…

Reflects on recent efforts to reform secondary education by emphasizing academic courses and considers the benefits of vocational education and importance of a balanced curriculum. (SK)

A school structure is proposed that includes automatic student promotion each school year and educates each student to his or her true potential. (MD)

To eliminate some of the unfairness in graduation requirements for handicapped students, the author proposes a system in which secondary students would leave school when their goals were achieved. In doing away with the diploma, his approach would also mark the end of compulsory attendance, required classes, and competency testing. (CL)

Argues that business communication courses should be accepted for high school English graduation requirements. (SR)

As the staff and students of Littleton (Colorado) High School have found, talking about restructured educational programs is easier than implementing them. Participants redesigning graduation requirements encountered seven realities, namely the need for sacrifice, adequate funding, discussion time, outside perspectives, ways to dispel fear and…

Each year, on the anniversary of the 2005 National Education Summit on High Schools, Achieve releases an annual 50-state progress report on the alignment of high school policies with the demands of college and careers. "Closing the Expectations Gap, 2009" is the fourth annual report in this series. The report details state progress implementing…

Since 2002, the Center on Education Policy (CEP), an independent nonprofit organization, has been studying state high school exit examinations--tests students must pass to receive a high school diploma. This is CEP's seventh annual report on exit exams. The information in this report comes from several sources: our survey of states that have…

This paper provides information about the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test[R] (FCAT). The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of the state curriculum; (2) Encourage districts and schools to identify and serve students at risk of academic failure; (3) Provide data to state policymakers on student…

This paper provides information about Nevada's High School Proficiency Examination (HSPE). The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Provide schools with student academic diagnostic information; (2) Determine prospective high school graduates' knowledge and skill levels relative to those needed for entry-level employment; (3) Determine prospective high…