Preparing students for college and careers is a task that has drastically changed over time. The days of post-secondary education or a degree guaranteeing employment are things of the past, especially during times of economic instability. Also gone are the days of someone who is "good with their hands" graduating from high school and…

Rochelle Gutiérrez has spent 15 years researching effective, urban high school mathematics departments that served Black, Latin@ and low-income adolescents (see, e.g., Gutiérrez, 1996, 1999a, 1999b, 2000, 2002). These were schools where students took more mathematics than was required by their district; where English learners, recent immigrants,…

In life, each person is offered opportunities, one after the other, until life ceases. For the author, one of those opportunities was to attend the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC), an NCSSSMST school. While attending KAMSC as a member of its inaugural class required a bit of imagination regarding the opportunity at hand, and…

David Stern argues that some basic features of the American high school must be modified if it is to serve all students successfully. He notes, for example, that only three-quarters of U.S. high school students graduate four years after beginning ninth grade and that the National Assessment of Educational Progress found no improvement in reading…

Defends comprehensive high schools against critics, past and present, who advocate specialized high schools or dual or tripartite systems separating college-bound from noncollege-bound students. Argues that comprehensive high schools promote social class integration and democratic values, and notes James B. Conant's role in supporting…

Because they have no competition, high schools have a coercive power long ago denied to business monopolies. By requiring certain courses, schools, departments, and teachers assure themselves of guaranteed jobs. Because students have no choice, they are fair game for the most irrelevant material, taught at the most uninspired level. (Author/SJL)

Asserts that while enrollment in academic courses has increased since "A Nation at Risk" report, academic achievement as measured by national and international mathematics and science exams has remained unchanged. Suggests that divergence between increased enrollment and test scores is due to watered-down curriculum and course materials.…

As a superintendent of the Bellevue School District, the author discusses the Bellevue School District's curriculum and its ongoing development. The mission of the Bellevue School District is to give every student the kind of education traditionally reserved for America's elite class or, stated another way, to give every student a first-rate,…

The "new vocationalism" spurs high school students to prepare for college in order to "get a good job." An emerging form of vocationalism--integrated tech prep--makes educational and economic sense, but its success will depend on student and parent support. (SK)

Describes and assesses six high school reform projects that concern the values underlying secondary schooling; changes in curriculum, instruction, and teacher preparation; preparation of students for college; communication among schools undergoing reform; the condition of secondary education today and proposed solutions to problems; and the…

Considers the role of high school English teachers as preparing students to do college writing. Discusses and challenges the dichotomy of academic versus personal or expressive writing. Argues that writing instruction must assume that student writing skills mature through the assignment of a variety of writing tasks. (HB)

The annotated book list in this article was inspired by the scramble to concoct a college-prep curriculum for all students. The author begins with recommendations for rereading certain classics for inspiration and perhaps also for descriptions of follies and commentaries on them. Other reading suggestions are also included.

Prepared by the high schools, colleges, and universities of Southeast Florida, this booklet offers information and practical advice to high school students on selecting courses and programs that will promote later success in college and on the job. Part 1 presents suggestions for planning a high school career, focusing on the academic skills…

Most colleges and high schools in states served by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) have reports each year on how high school graduates perform as college freshmen. These reports can help college faculty and high school teachers work together to improve student learning in college preparatory courses, and the information in the reports…

Describes Minnesota's responses to the challenges of secondary student achievement and transition to college or employment: "fast-track" planning, tech prep, postsecondary enrollment options, early assessment for developmental education, alignment of graduation standards and college preparation, achievement documentation, and charter…