The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.

May 2023Volume 23, No. 2
High Schools That Matter


High school students across the country increasingly report a lack of relevancy in their classes and a feeling of unpreparedness for postsecondary life. How can students’ high school experience be restructured for their long-term success? Authors of in this issue of The State Education Standard reimagine the high school experience, illuminating the data, policy reforms, and engagement with students, families, and educators that must align to make redesign possible.


High Schools That Matter



A New Architecture for High School Learning

By Russlynn Ali and Timothy F.C. Knowles

State leaders should retire the Carnegie unit and open the door for high school designs that ensure learning is engaging, relevant, experiential, and competency based.





Telltale Signs of Rigor and Career Readiness in High School

By Gene Bottoms

State boards can take a lesson from schools that already dish up rigorous assignments in college- and career-ready courses alike and ensure more schools do it.





How Rhode Island Increased the Value of a High School Diploma

By Angélica Infante-Green

New graduation requirements aim to align with college admission standards and address inequities in college and career readiness.





Access to Data Is Key to Navigating High School and Beyond

By Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger

Surveyed students report being at sea on postsecondary options and the progress they are making toward their goals.






Merging High School and College: The Early College High School Model

By Julie A. Edmunds

Six elements in statewide law and policy pave the way for effective programs that help more students thrive in college courses while they are still in high school.






Opinion



Young black man speaking on panel. Image credit: iStock

Student Voice: Hands-On Learning in a Technology-Focused World

By Lauren Knopp

A balanced education can help every student achieve the greatest possible success.





Student hands on computer keyboard. Image credit: iStock

We the Media: Stepping Out on the Public Square

By Renée Rybak Lang

Communications folks can help your board develop media relationships that will lead to better reporting and a keener understanding of the board's policy decisions and initiatives.





From the President’s Pen: Diving Deep into What Makes an Amazing High School

By Paolo DeMaria

There are wonderful, student-centric high schools in every state. My advice is to find them, visit, and probe into what they are doing well.





News & Notes: May 2023

By Jamie Brandon and Reg Leichty

The president is seeking significant increases in the overall education budget.







Featured Items

Multiracial group of teachers walking in school hallway. Image credit: iStock i

Strengthening the Principal Pipeline through State Leadership Academies

Missouri, Delaware, and North Carolina have developed evidence-based professional learning for current and prospective school leaders to increase their effectiveness and reduce turnover.
Credit: istock i

State Advances in Early Childhood Education Seed Plans for 2024

In 2023, several states made significant strides toward universal pre-K, increased funding and support for early educators, and improved literacy and math instruction.
Business people sitting on books. Image credit: iStock i

Curriculum That Counts

Authors in this issue of the Standard draw lessons from a spectrum of state policies that are being used to increase the adoption of high-quality curriculum.

Upcoming Events

From the States