Introduction

This chapter looks at why rigor is important, the misconceptions related to rigor and a clear definition of rigor. Rigor is at the center of state standards, and much of the push for new standards came from a concern about the lack of rigor in many schools today, as well as the need to prepare students for college and careers. 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. Supporting students so that they can learn at high levels is central to the definition of rigor. The first component of rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels. High expectations are important, but the most rigorous schools assure that each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, which is the second part of definition.