Higher standards and expectations are expected to facilitate the preparation for college and career.  As educators, we are familiar with what being prepared for college means. Students have to be prepared as skilled readers and writers, adept at mathematical thinking, able to function in an environment that expects them to be independently responsible for their learning, and have a level of maturity that supports the decisions they are asked to make. Students have to know how to live harmoniously with others, work with others, and communicate well. Now, in this century, in addition to this they need to have experience in being creative, critical thinking, working in a collaborative setting and communicating in a variety of genres. Read more....