SCIENCE IN THE NEWS DAILY

New National Math, English Standards Drafted

from the Chicago Tribune (Registration Required)

SEATTLE (Associated Press) -- Math and English instruction in the United States moved a step closer to uniform--and more rigorous--standards Wednesday as draft new 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 federal government recently opened bidding for $350 million to work on new national tests that would be given to students in states that adopt the national standards. People involved in the effort endorsed by 48 states, two territories and the District of Columbia said the new standards will raise expectations of student achievement in some states and be in line with the educational expectations of top-performing states and countries.