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 One cohort of juniors can tilt an entire high school’s rating. That stark truth has turned accountability into a game with real stakes, and we’re pulling back the curtain on the rules, the pressure, and the plays that actually work without hollowing out learning. As a high school principal, I walk through how Nebraska’s ACT-centered system shapes curriculum, culture, and day-to-day decisions—and why ignoring it isn’t an option.

We start by tracing the path from early-2000s accountability to today’s reliance on a single high school exam. Then we get practical. I break down a three-part strategy leaders can use right now: align English, math, and science curriculum tightly to tested standards; build a school culture that lifts attendance and engagement; and run weekly PLCs that track learning by target and deliver timely interventions. You’ll hear how we schedule intervention blocks in a large school, how we message test day to students who may never apply to college, and how small, intentional incentives can focus effort without gimmicks.

Beyond the scoreboard, we wrestle with what gets left out when ratings ride on one measure: arts, social studies, music, and the rich experiences that make a campus feel alive. I share the “1% better” mindset we use with staff and students to drive steady improvement—tightening bell ringers, sharpening closure, improving parent communication—so the gains stick. If you’re a teacher, admin, or parent wondering how to protect authentic learning while meeting state expectations, this is a concrete, field-tested playbook.

If this conversation helps you think more clearly about standards, culture, and student support, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more educators can find it.

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