This report examines how implementing rigorous and engaging curriculum aligned with college- and career-ready standards fosters positive school climates in which students are motivated to succeed, achievement gaps narrow, and learning and outcomes improve. It includes federal, state, and local recommendations for increasing access to high-quality, high-standards curriculum for all students and is the third in the Alliance's series on school climate. [Contains endnotes.] [For "Climate Change Series: Federal, State, and Local Policy Recommendations for Creating a Positive School Climate," see ED557933.]