The purpose of the case study is to describe how one large school district in the United States has expanded their expectations for students based on the perceived need for graduates to compete in an increasingly global job market. The study "summarizes" the processes for establishing districtwide systems to support these expectations. The case study examines a large, high performing district. Three primary methods of collection provide the data for the study: (a) review of primary documents, (b) interviews with district administrators and school administrators, and (c) field observations. Internal district documents, community outreach documents, and previous research provide the foundation for the narrative of the case study. Primary documents supply the background and district policies. To better understand how these policies translate into practice the interviews with district and school administrators focused on the practical day-to-day implementation. Field observations of board meetings and a districtwide data analysis present snapshots of implementation. Analysis of the data revealed that Mountain School District identified the goal of all students graduating college and work ready. The goal is expected to help students compete in the twenty-first century. Back mapped from this goal the district has defined seven indicators of student progress on a kindergarten through Grade 12 spectrum. The indicators are based on core content areas and reinforce the importance of standardized measures. Districtwide systems, reports, and evaluations are aligned with these indicators kindergarten through Grade 12. The superintendent is a driving force behind the alignment and reinforces a strong centralized district. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]