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,…

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…

Discusses opposing views on minimum academic standards for student athletes. Can schools require of athletes what is not required of other students? Unintended outcomes such as student athletes taking easier course loads may result. Conversely, minimum standards should not penalize those wanting to participate in sports. Schools with minimum…

The new higher standards required of entering collegiate athletes will not immediately create change in the performance and attitudes of student athletes. Academic performance of student athletes can be enhanced through the development of a comprehensive program fusing the relationship between athletics and academics. (MD)

The author describes the Medina Senior High School (New York) program to improve student motivation and achievement by positive reinforcement of accomplishment. (DS)

Reviews the implications (for high school principals) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) adoption of Rule 48 establishing eligibility criteria for freshmen students receiving athletic grants-in-aid from Division I colleges and universities. Failure of a student to be admitted due to a high school's ignorance of the rule's…

The 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed progress in all three grade levels compared with 1990 and 1992 studies. The national standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council will continue to provide guidance for modifying math and science education. Educators must fully…

At the fall 1996 Education Summit, 40 governors and 45 business leaders called for higher student achievement standards. This article provides some historical background for the standards-based education movement and introduces essays exploring the movement from various perspectives. Although some educators remain skeptical, standards-based…

In the standards-based education reforms of today, an important question is how much it will cost for all--or almost all--students to reach state-determined proficiency levels? School finance adequacy seeks to determine that cost. Four models have been developed to estimate the costs of adequacy. Two of them--the professional judgment and the…

Argues that current grading practices in some schools lack consistency in several critical areas, including criteria for failure, absolute or relative standards, and motivation of slower students. Policies are suggested that will help educators develop fairer and more humane marking systems. (TE)

Membership in the worldwide community means that students must possess globally competitive skills. In 1993, the author and the Colorado General Assembly worked to pass a comprehensive educational reform strategy that established "model" content standards in mathematics, science, geography, history, reading, and writing. Uniform…