Since the 1980s, education reform has focused on "performance-based standards," which require a minimum level of academic achievement before which students may graduate. Or competency testing section has articles on exit options for high school gradu...
Testing students for academic achievement or competency testing information is not new. For about four decades now states have been making adequate performance on "exit examinations" a prerequisite for high school graduation. Click here to read the back story on how competency testing came about.
While no standardized national test has been implemented for use as a criterion in the granting of a high school diploma, states have developed several ways in which students may meet graduation requirements. There are generally three types of diplomas: standard, occupational and individual education p diplomas.
Most states require some form of competency testing for students, intended to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum, educators, and schools as a whole. Click here for a state-by-state directory highlighting competency testing standards, which tend to change quite regularly.
Numerous vocal critics oppose No Child Left Behind (NCLBA). Click here to learn about the three different types of criticism leveled at the law, including charges of unfunded federal mandates and federal intrusion into state matters.
How and what an educator teaches students are important determinations. Indeed, decisions about a school's curriculum must be based upon legitimate pedagogical concerns. At times such concerns have included teaching material and/or classroom expression. Click here to learn more.
From a legal perspective, curriculum issues focus on two areas: 1) the range of courses or instructional programs available to students; and 2) the aggregate of activities, materials, procedures, and instructional aids used in the instructional program.
The states provide most of the funding that keeps public elementary through high school schools running. They raise this money through a variety of means including tax dollars. Each state has an Education Department that oversees individual school districts.
Public education is one of the most expensive institutions funded by state coffers, particularly because most children in a given state use public education for 12 or so years. Where exactly does money spent on education go? There are numerous types of expenses related to public education.
The public school system in the United States is free in the sense that all students have a right to attend. Revenue must still be raised to pay for public education in elementary, junior high, and high schools. These revenues came from the federal government, state governments, and local government.
