Should high schools worry about what students do after graduation? This city says yes

North-Grand High School in Chicago has transformed from being on academic probation to a top-performing school by focusing on GPA and student success. The school introduced a freshman seminar as part of the citywide 'Learn, Plan, Succeed' strategy, requiring students to have a post-graduation plan. This initiative, driven by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, aims to ensure students are prepared for life after high school. Challenges include resource constraints for counselors, but North-Grand has prioritized hiring qualified counselors. Students have mixed feelings about the new requirements, with some already planning their futures and others feeling uncertain.

What unique challenge did teacher Brett Murphy present to his students?

• Extra credit for all students

• A pizza party for the class with the highest GPA

• A field trip for the top-performing students

• Shaving his head in front of the class

What is the main goal of the Learn, Plan, Succeed strategy?

• To focus solely on academic performance

• To reduce the number of school days

• To prepare students for life after high school

• To increase sports participation

What must students prove to graduate under the new requirements?

• They have completed all homework assignments

• They have a plan for post-high school life

• They have perfect attendance

• They have participated in extracurricular activities

What is a major concern regarding the new graduation requirements?

• Overemphasis on sports

• Too many extracurricular activities

• Insufficient resources and support

• Lack of student interest

What is Kristy Brooks' main concern about the role of school counselors?

• They are performing duties outside their advisory role

• They are not involved in student activities

• They are not being paid enough

• They are not receiving enough training

What sacrifice did North-Grand High School make to hire more counselors?

• Forgo some classroom technology

• Cut back on sports programs

• Increased class sizes

• Reduced the number of teachers

What is a concern some students have about the new graduation requirements?

• They focus too much on sports

• They require too many extracurricular activities

• They are too easy to meet

• They do not allow enough time to decide on a future path