9-12

A bill was introduced in Wisconsin that would allow middle school students to earn high school credits starting in the 2014-2015 school year. Students would be taught using high school equivalent curriculum teachers licensed to teach at the high school level. The bill would address budgetary constraints that have led to career exploration courses being cut, would allow students to focus on more college readiness courses, and would allow students move through high school more quickly.

Starting this year Georgia ninth-graders will be required to choose one of 17 career clusters or opt to take more college-prep courses. The goals of the policy are for students to be better prepared to join the workforce and for high school graduation rates to increase. Students will receive three of the 23 credits required for graduation by taking the career pathways courses.

North Carolina has launched an initiative to publicly recognize STEM schools and school-based programs. The state education department recently released an application guide and although there are no financial incentives, participation incentives include public recognition and improved program practices. Applicants are rated as "early," "developing," "prepared," or "model" and those rated as "prepared" and "model" receive recognition after approval from the state board of education.

A record number of high school students, 1.3 million during the 2010-2011 school year, are aiming to cut down on college costs by completing college courses while still in high school. Some of the methods students are taking to earn college credit include taking AP and college courses, receiving college credit for life experiences, completing the College-Level Examination Program, and attending early colleges during their senior year of high school. Research has also found that high school students who are exposed to college-level work have an increased likelihood of success.

The District of Columbia has allocated $2.8 million to allow eight high schools to develop nine career academies in 2014. The purpose of the career academies is to help students develop skills necessary for the workforce. The career academies will also offer internships and training to students in hospitality, engineering, and information technology.

Jim Rose, director of the Wyoming Community College Commission, proposed that the state require students identified as needing remediation to take remedial courses in high school as opposed to waiting until they start college. He argues that community college students are taking too long to obtain their degrees and this proposal would assist in moving students through the community college system more quickly and save students money.

ACT Profile, launched by ACT Inc., is a new website that allows students to explore possible career paths and college options that align with individual student's strengths, interests, and values. The site includes interest inventories, a college search section, and a section that allows students to develop an electronic portfolio. ACT Profile is available for free to anyone over 13 years of age and can be accessed through Facebook and Twitter.

Hillsboro High School has been chosen as the first school in Tennessee, and among one of 27 in the nation, to offer a career-related International Baccalaureate program. Students in the program will be able to earn an International Baccalaureate Career-related Certificate (IBCC) and take IB courses with a career focus. IBCC will serve as a supplemental track to the IB Diploma Program at Hillsboro, where students are required to complete rigorous coursework, pass six subject area exams, conduct research, and engage in community service.