Successful early college high schools (ECHSs) are formed through partnerships between high schools and colleges (usually community colleges). Think of it as preparation through acceleration. ECHSs enroll disadvantaged students who have not excelled with ordinary grade-level academic content and have them take college courses while still in high…

The vast majority of high school students plan to attend college--and believe that a bachelor's degree all but guarantees them a high-paying job. What many of them don't know is that those who are not well prepared are not likely to graduate. They also don't realize that plenty of career-focused certificates and associate's degrees lead to…

Interviews with teachers in a detracked high school found that detracking was well-implemented, and teachers were initially enthusiastic, but there were three unanticipated outcomes: irresolvable conflicts; a uniformity that deprived faster students of challenge and slower students of mastery; and doubts about the legitimacy of the class, even in…

The Japanese education system provides a model for American school reform that effectively links school with entry into the workforce. Japanese schools maintain close relationships with businesses that expect teachers to nominate high-achieving students for jobs after graduation. (FMW)