Recent research on student achievement conducted by the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) indicates that American students are deficient in reading, mathematics, writing, and other skills. To reverse this trend, the Accountable Curriculum, a program that raises expectations for students was created. The program is a departure from the widespread attitude that secondary school graduation is a birthright. The Accountability Curriculum offers a certification program that is fair--all students are judged by the same standards on national examinations--and is flexible since students will have options in diploma type and course selections. Students will have to pass national tests in 40 percent to 75 percent of the courses that comprise their high school career, and students will have the opportunity for a second-chance fifth year. The minimum student proficiency scores on the national exams will begin low and then gradually be raised to acceptable values. The text focuses on the fundamental components of the curriculum; the effects on instructor input; steps for putting the plan into action, along with course requirements; expectations in subject comprehension; the 4-year and 5-year graduation options; and the problems created by the current system. (RJM)