Diploma Matters

In our current education system too many high school students wind up with too few choices. Students are locked into what is decided for them by a broken system. Too often, they are handed a diploma that holds an empty promise. This practical field book is filled with effective tools from The Education Trust-West. Diploma Matters helps school leaders and teachers examine the current high school experience and develop a detailed action plan that will transform curriculum and ensure that all students are ready for college and the workplace.

"This is a book for practitioners who have seen it all. Linda Murray captures in a straight-forward way the nuts and bolts of how to do the work of reform. Linda, who was an extraordinary superintendent, proves to be a captivating storyteller."--Peter J. Negroni, senior vice president, College Board

"This is a story worth reading, including the specific implications for schools and districts nationwide."--Michael W. Kirst, emeritus professor of Education and Business Administration, Stanford University; president, California State Board of Education; author, Political Dynamics Of American Education

"This book is a definitive 'how to' for effective, meaningful, and lasting school reform." --Kathy Burkhard, former president, San Jose Teachers' Association

Linda Murray is the Superintendent-in-Residence for The Education Trust-West (ETW) and is responsible for leading the practice work of the organization in California. Prior to joining ETW, Dr. Murray served as Superintendent of Schools for the San Jose Unified School District for eleven years.

The Education Trust-West is a statewide education advocacy organization in California that works to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement for students of color and students in poverty. The organization works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, pre-k through college. ETW exposes opportunity and achievement gaps that separate students of color and low-income students from other youth, and identifies and advocates for the strategies that will forever close those gaps. http: //www.edtrust.org/west