Rigorous Schools and Classrooms. Research into Practice

The discussion about rigor is not new. Ever since the release of A Nation at Risk (1983) the debate about the quality of American schools has continued. Adoption of No Child Left Behind (2001) raised the debate to a new level. For the first time schools were held accountable for the achievement of every child, not just the most capable. Across the nation the 3 R's--Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships--are almost universally accepted as necessary characteristics of schools. This three-part approach captures the importance of high expectations complemented by equally high levels of support for student success. These parts are: (1) Expecting Students to Learn at High Levels; (2) Supporting Students to Learn at High Levels; and (3) Ensuring Students Demonstrate Learning at High Levels. A list of resources is included.