Greater Rigor

School Administrator, June, 1994

Public high school students take fewer academic courses than their counterparts did 70 years ago, but they take more academic courses than students 20 years ago, according to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Researchers David Angus at University of Michigan and Jeff Mirel at Northern Illinois University analyzed national surveys, of high school course registration since the late 19th century.

The study also found no link between the dropout rate and the rise in rigorous academic coursework.