How many students repeat a grade each year? How do retention rates vary across states and over time? Despite extensive research on the predictors and consequences of grade retention, there is no systematic way to quantify state-level retention rates; even national estimates rely on imperfect proxy measures. We present a conceptually simple…

The chronic academic underperformance and student failure of most American urban high schools are actually created by the antiquated way that schools evaluate student academic performance and award (or deny) course credits. When the school leaders in a small inner-city high school in Chicago began to question the "received wisdom" of…

More than ever before teachers, principals, and superintendents are joining with parents and citizens of the community in examining and appraising what the schools are trying to do and how their work can be adequately supported. One of the topics that comes up for frequent discussion in the high school field is the Carnegie Unit. It has been our…