A fascinating article from The Oregonian outlines one of the most troubling aspects of American education - the dramatic drop-off in pupil achievement from elementary to high school. The paper found that Oregon students, in disproportionate numbers compared to the rest of nation, flourish in early grades and then droop in the middle and high-school years, so much so that the state ranks 41st in college continuation rates. Among the possible culprits: large, impersonal high schools; low expectations; and sheer boredom. The article advances a number of familiar fixes, including smaller schools, but also hints that the system may need to be made over completely, dropping the one-size-fits-all, assembly line approach for one that classifies students by achievement level rather than chronological age.
"Schools squander gains," by Bill Graves, The Oregonian, January 11, 2004