Current interests in reducing high dropout rates and closing the achievement gap in many U.S. high schools have resulted in major reform of education. According to Durden (2008), with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002, state officials authorized the Comprehensive School Reform program to support low-performing schools as they struggled to improve student achievement. As a result, a wide range of approaches have been considered to help address this problem on a national scale. Durden (2008) explained that as a result of this national effort, an increase in the implementation of comprehensive school reforms is occurring in schools serving predominantly diverse student populations in urban areas. Kemple et al. (2006) stated that although many targeted programs and comprehensive reform strategies have been proposed as strategies to counter these problems, small learning communities (SLCs) or first-year academies have been incorporated. . First-year academies or small learning communities (SLCs) are defined as small, self-contained groups of students who take courses together in interdisciplinary teaching teams. (SLC) have emerged as one of the most common and potentially effective responses. With the incorporation of small learning communities (SLCs) or first-year academies, other important areas require changes to address the issues of high dropout rates and the achievement gap. Important areas requiring change include how we assess our students, the preparation of America's teachers, and the development of appropriate instructional materials, policies, and practices for diverse students. Purpose The purpose of this article is to discuss specific drug-related factors. .... middle of paper ...... both genders and those from diverse cultural, linguistic and ethnic groups have an equal opportunity to succeed in school. (p. 20) Research supports indicators other than standardized tests and grades increase the dropout rate. It also indicates that first-year academies can have a positive effect on the dropout rate and achievement gap. Research also supports multicultural education integrated into pre-service teacher training and school curricula can reduce high dropout rates and the large achievement gap. If we are to succeed in educating all students in a multicultural society, we must continue to address the issues that are preventing our children from exhibiting their full potential. Banks (1993) stated: “Thus, early exposure to a multicultural curriculum offers the greatest chance of success” (quoted in Christie, 2009).