States May Get National Standards for Math, English

Math and English instruction in the United States moved a step closer to uniform—and more rigorous—standards today, as draft national guidelines were released. Supporters of the project led by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers hope the lists of things kids should learn at each grade level will replace a patchwork of systems across the country.

The effort is expected to lead to standardization of textbooks and testing and make learning easier for students who move from state to state. The effort has been endorsed by 48 states, two territories, and Washington DC. But some have criticized the process, saying adoption of the new standards will not be voluntary. President Obama told the nation's governors last month that he wants to make Title I dollars for public schools contingent on adoption of some form of higher math and reading standards.
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