Cross Case Features: Context

Beye High School: State Context

About ten years ago, the state adopted learning standards in core subjects. Assessments in English, Mathematics, Science, and History/Social Studies occur at the elementary and middle school levels and at the end of high school. Student achievement is the primary basis for school accreditation. Schools are required to meet learning and achievement objectives in the four core subject areas in two years or lose their accreditation. Both the learning standards and the accreditation process have put extreme pressures on schools to perform well.

The Social Sstudies standards present some real challenges to teachers wanting to infuse Asia into their instruction. Says one teacher regarding standards, “there’s so much information and so little time to teach.” Similarly, the principal described the situation as “high stakes,” with tremendous pressure on staff, students, and families. Teachers lose six weeks of teaching time to test preparation and taking; some feel overwhelmed, with little desire or motivation to include new content or to participate in professional development.