N.C.S.L. Report Links High School Performance To College

Improving the education of high school students must include prioritizing getting them into postsecondary education, according to a new report by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The organization's "Making a Difference" report follows work done by NCSL, the National Governors Association, Council of Chief State School Officers and National Association of State Boards of Education.

"Bringing the American high school system into the 21st century is one of the greatest challenges facing our nation," the report states. "If America is to compete in the information-age economy, young people must be prepared for success in postsecondary education and a labor market that is increasingly based on complex knowledge and skills beyond those acquired through a high school curriculum."

States have led the way in these reforms by getting more accurate data on graduation and dropout rates, as well as increasing the rigor of school curriculum, the report noted, but more can be done.

The report focuses on eight areas:

• elevating academic standards and course requirements to college- and career-ready levels
• helping every student to plan through high school graduation and beyond
• developing effective career and technical education programs
• expanding college-level learning opportunities
• using a variety of online learning options
• identifying and supporting struggling students
• developing drop-out recovery programs to reengage out-of-school youth
• providing structures and incentives for high schools and colleges to work together to improve college readiness.

"Legislative action in the eight areas recommended in this report can have a real and lasting effect when it is implemented as part of a larger statewide plan to improve high schools," the report concluded.