Introduction

This chapter looks at why rigor is important, the misconceptions related to rigor, and a clear definition of rigor. Since A Nation at Risk was released, the call for more rigor has only increased. The Condition of College and Career Readiness, a thorough report from the ACT, has reinforced the lack of preparedness by high school graduates for college and for the workforce. Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. Social studies professionals were also concerned about the lack of rigor, so they developed the College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies State Standards. Rigor, however, is more than simply making things harder for students. It is a weaving together of high expectations, scaffolding and support, and demonstration of learning.