College professors, employers, the general public and students think more rigorous curriculum and graduation exams are necessary.

Contrary to many news reports, the public, business community and higher education all agree that graduation exams are an important measure of student knowledge and skills.

• College instructors (79 percent) and employers (89 percent) agree that requiring an exit exam would improve things. (Achieve)
• They also agree that a harder curriculum would improve things — 81 percent of college professors and 83 percent of employers. (Achieve)
• An overwhelming majority (80 percent) of those polled by the Educational Testing Service favor requiring students to pass a statewide graduation test. (ETS)
• Students themselves endorse exit exams. The Horatio Alger Association found that 81 percent of students polled said their schools would be improved if students were required to pass exams in math and English to graduate. (Horatio Alger)