Every state is working to help students improve achievement by building academic standards and assessments to define and measure what students are expected to learn at each grade. Nearly half the states also have graduation exams that students must pass to earn a high school diploma. But the most important question states should be asking is whether their high school graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Achieve's benchmarking services help states answer that question. Our unique assistance combines a deep understanding of public policy and detailed technical know-how to help states develop high-quality standards, assessments and accountability systems, with a focus on building math capacity.

Using best practices from across the U.S. and around the world as benchmarks, Achieve helps states:

• examine graduation requirements to ensure that students leave high school with the skills and knowledge colleges and employers require.
• make sure grade-level standards focus on essential content that steadily increases in intellectual demand from grade to grade.
• ensure that state tests are aligned to the standards, that the questions on the tests are high quality and that proficiency levels are appropriate.
• build capacity in math to improve student performance in this core subject.
• access ongoing support and technical assistance to keep improving their systems.

Benefits include benchmarking reports with objective analyses, customized tools and specific recommendations. Costs are calculated on a fee-for-service basis. Contact Achieve for more.

In addition to benchmarking services, states in the American Diploma Project Network receive even more customized support and assistance with advocacy efforts.