As states and districts upgrade their standards to better prepare graduates for college and careers, some worry that not all students will benefit. How can we raise graduation requirements, they ask, when so many teenagers already fail their classes and score poorly on statewide assessments? Can low-income and low-achieving students ever meet these expectations?

A convincing body of research and experience proves that these concerns are profoundly misplaced. In fact, requiring more challenging courses for all students — even those who are getting poor grades in lower-level classes — helps them learn more.

See the fact sheet for more. We've also provided resources and a set of PowerPoints that you may download and use for your own presentations.