In a major address on educational policy last March, President Barack Obama underscored his priorities for the pending reauthorization of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. He promised that the government will spur a race to the top by encouraging better standards and assessments. But Obama's concerns over rigor and the promise of the Common…

This individual profile provides information on Maryland's high school exit exam standards and policies. Some of the categories presented include: (1) State exit exam policy; (2) Type of Test; (3) Purpose; (4) Major changes in exit exam policy since the 2009-10 school year for financial reasons; (5) Subjects tested on exam; (6) Grade exam first…

One of the competitive priorities of the U.S. Department of Education's Race to the Top applications addressed science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). States that applied were required to submit plans that addressed rigorous courses of study, cooperative partnerships to prepare and assist teachers in STEM content, and prepare…

This newsletter addresses various supports that districts are utilizing to help keep students in school and on the path to graduation. Described herein are three districts that have been particularly successful in raising student achievement--even though they differ in their specific strategies, fund allocation, and demographic composition. A…

The educational standards, instruction, and testing of mathematics remain a controversial subject in the United States. Given the significant and growing need for mathematics remediation, it is reasonable to question how well individual states are preparing its high school students to succeed. This evaluation examines the correlation between the…

This paper provides information about Maryland's High School Assessment, an end-of-course exam tied to content standards. The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' knowledge and skill levels relative to those needed for entry-level employment; (2) Determine prospective high school graduates' knowledge and…

SREB states were among the first in the nation to implement statewide high school exams. Today, these exams are a key component of each state's accountability system. This report identifies which states use comprehensive exams and which use end-of-course exams, how students perform on them, and whether achievement gaps have narrowed. It also…

This booklet presents the high school assessment program for science education by listing Maryland's Core Learning Goals. The match of content indicators and the skills for successful elaborations in thinking, communication, and technology regarding science education are discussed. (ASK)

This booklet presents the high school assessment program for algebra by listing Maryland's Core Learning Goals. The match of content indicators and the skills for successful elaborations in thinking, communication, and technology regarding algebra are discussed. (ASK)

This booklet presents the high school assessment program for geometry by listing Maryland's Core Learning Goals. The match of content indicators and the skills for successful elaborations in thinking, communication, and technology regarding geometry are discussed. (ASK)

Reviews the development of the Maryland Virtual High School (MVHS) of Science and Mathematics, which provides science resources, mentoring, and support for Internet collaboration by teachers and students. Describes how MVHS teams organize teachers and schools statewide. Discusses lessons learned from the MVHS, highlighting the MVHS CoreModels…

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…

The achiever is published monthly during the school year for parents and community leaders. Each issue contains news and information about school improvement in the United States. The following articles are contained in this issue: (1) Spellings Focuses on English Language Learners; (2) Around the Country--Maryland and Oregon; (3) Calendar; (4)…

This publication is a report from a task force charged with developing a vision and making recommendations for a comprehensive system of dropout prevention, intervention, and recovery within the state of Maryland. The challenge was given urgency due to three factors: (1) rigorous standards for students that were part of school improvement programs…

This guide outlines four core English learning goals for high school students in Maryland. The guide lists extensive student educational objectives for each indicator. It is divided into separate sections for each of the four goals: Content and Skills for Success Indicator Matches for Thinking and Communication. (NKA)