As secondary school leaders consider a shift toward standards-based grading (SBG) practices, they are no doubt weighing the odds of a successful implementation process. This research followed up on a study from 2014 to identify the challenges secondary school leaders experience when changing the currency of the classroom from points to learning.…

This study sought to determine if the implementation of standards-based learning in high schools affects students' transition to learning in university courses. Surveys and interviews with 13 students who had graduated from high schools implementing standards-based learning and who had completed their first academic semester at a midsize, private,…

Our study aims to discover the degree of efficacy of the principal's performance in relation to the learning objectives, curriculum, and results, and explore the relationship among the perceptions of the inspectors, teachers, and management teams about the principal's efficacy in promoting students' learning. The Vanderbilt Assessment of…

This study explored high school teachers' perceptions of the effects of standards-based grading (SBG) on planning, instruction, assessment, classroom management, and student behaviors. Findings indicated that despite some infidelity and an initial implementation dip, systemic (SBG) changes made teaching clearer, more purposeful, and more conducive…

American high school graduates' readiness for higher education or employment in the global economy may depend on the state where they live. Since the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution makes education a state function, the 50 states and the District of Columbia vary significantly in their policies and practices for (a) preschool…

This qualitative study examined the actions of district and school leaders in changing from a traditional age-based grade-level structure to a standards-based student grouping model in a Western school district. Based on interview, observation, and artifact data collected over 5 years, the findings identify specific leadership actions that…

This article discusses the outcomes of a partnership between four high schools and one university to reduce the need for remediation in reading and writing. The purpose of the partnership was to build relationships between secondary and postsecondary faculty and to create a senior year English Transition course for students who did not meet ACT…

Describes the implementation of a minimum competency testing program in North Boone Senior High School in Poplar Grove (Illinois). Includes eight questions to be asked in planning for such a program. (Author/WD)

Valedictorians are not always the most accomplished students because some academically gifted youth take easy courses to maintain their grade point averages, although others risk their grades by taking more challenging classes. To address this problem, Bear Creek High School (Jefferson County, Colorado) created higher academic standards and…

Explores the legal ramifications of student retention, citing several court cases from the last several years. Concludes that courts have generally steered away from academic issues except where a school has acted in an arbitrary, capricious, or discriminatory manner. (Author/WD)

In order to keep student athletics in a proper perspective to the complete educational program, principals must make clear their emphasis on scholastic endeavors. This article suggests several ways a principal can promote positive attitudes toward and among high school athletes. (WD)

Delaware, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey have spent past three years developing math standards and frameworks with guidance from state and local stakeholders and national standards efforts. Evaluation of these states' progress concluded that reform efforts are limited, unless new assessments are aligned with standards. Professional…

Eligibility standards for participating in extracurricular activities are definitely needed. The question is whether minimal or more restrictive standards are most effective to meet academic requirements. This article presents arguments for both minimal and higher standards and suggests that chosen standards should be a positive motivating force.…

A 1985 Hawaii regulation requires that students participating in athletics must have a 2.0 grade point average and pass all courses required for graduation at the end of each grading period. The PASS program at Kahuku High School was developed to keep student athletes from being academically disqualified and to help underachievers regain their…

According to a recent study, state mandates for tougher academic standards do not necessarily lead to more and better course content. Although more lower- and middle-achieving students are enrolled in academic classes, these courses are at the basic, general, or remedial level and fail to meet reform commission goals. (MLH)