High schools get new state focus

High schools are the new focus for education in Tennessee after several pieces of legislation have ensured a busy summer for the State Board of Education.

Developing a uniform grading system for high schools and a universal curriculum path; and studying small learning communities and dual-enrollment programs are among the duties of a new task force on high schools.

"This is all about improving the high school experience," State Board of Education Executive Director Dr. Doug Wood said.

Millions of dollars are available to study and develop small learning communities between the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the federal government and other philanthropies, according to Wood.

The intent is to allow large high schools, those with more than 1,000 students, to reclaim the benefits of smaller schools, such as closer student-teacher interaction and more parent involvement.

Employers of high school graduates require the same skills that a college freshman would need, according to Marie Groark of the Gates Foundation, which has committed $631 million toward building small high schools.

"We've found small schools that have high expectations