Implementing Economics Standards: A Pilot Transition Program

Thomas Cargill, University of Nevada, Reno - Department of Economics, Jennifer Jurosky, North Tahoe High School, and Jeanne Wendel, University of Nevada, Reno - College of Business Administration

3/13/2008
(Original Publish Date: 3/2/2006)

Most states have adopted high school economics standards, but implementation efforts face two hurdles: evidence indicates (i) that five or six economics classes are needed for high school economics teachers and (ii) stand-alone classes are more effective than infusion strategies. A pilot program was developed to test whether solid results could be achieved via partial solutions to these problems. The pilot program focused on a self-contained nine-week economics module that was included in a required one-year civics class. Teacher training was condensed, but the training included discussion of teaching strategies along with economics content, and the pilot program teachers were funded to design the module themselves. Test scores for the pilot program students increased significantly, indicating that this is a viable transition strategy.