“I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This
can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever
the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma.”
President Obama, Address to Joint Session of Congress, February 24, 2009
It is commonly said that the goal of high school reform is to ensure all students graduate “college andcareer-
ready.” But as often as this mantra is repeated, confusion remains over what it actually means.
Simply put, “college and career readiness” refers to the content knowledge and skills high school
graduates must possess in English and mathematics – including, but not limited to, reading, writing
communications, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving – to be successful in any and all future
endeavors. Of course, readiness for college and careers depends on more than English and
mathematics knowledge; to be successful after high school, all graduates must posses the knowledge,
habits and skills that can only come from a rigorous, rich and well-rounded high school curriculum.