This report from the Center for American Progress and Jobs for the Future calls for Congress to pass the proposed Graduation Promise Act of 2007, which establishes a federal commitment to partner with states, districts, and schools to raise graduation rates. The act has three main provisions: to enable new state and district strategies to improve graduation rates without compromising academic standards; to invest in the supply of proven models; and to interrupt the dropout flow from the worst-performing schools. The report argues that just as federal action under the auspices of the No Child Left Behind Act provided pressure to improve academic achievement, the Graduation Promise Act would address the challenge of raising graduation rates. The brief provides national, state, and local policymakers and educators with a summary of the position of those supporting this proposed legislation.
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Background and Context
Providing leadership across a state's vast education system is a daunting challenge. In an era of increased accountability, the state's role is even more central to the teaching that takes place in each classroom throughout the state. Whether through the establishment and improvement of state data systems, or shifting the internal organization of the agency, states are undertaking a variety of efforts to provide stronger leadership.
