ED436607 UD033210

Title: Making Standards Matter 1999: An Update on State Activity. Educational Issues Policy Brief Number 11.
Author Affiliation: American Federation of Teachers, Washington, DC.(FGK01812)
Pages: 13
Publication Date: November 1999
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
Language: English
Document Type: Reports--Evaluative (142)
Geographic Source: U.S.; District of Columbia
Journal Announcement: RIEMAY2000

This policy brief highlights findings from an annual review of how far states' work on standards has progressed over the years and a determination of how much work remains to be done. Information was collected from state departments of education and interviews with state officials. Since 1995 there has been a steady rise in all aspects of standards-based reform. The number of states with clear and specific standards has almost doubled in the past 5 years from 13 to 22. Virtually all states have currently aligned, or plan soon to align, their state testing programs with their standards efforts. In 1995, 33 states reported aligned tests; today, 49 states report test alignment. The consequences associated with standards have increased significantly. Thirteen states have promotion policies based in part on state assessment results. Graduation requirements tied to at least 10th-grade standards have been implemented in 14 states, and incentives for students to reach standards are now in place in almost half the states. In 1996 only 10 states focused on students struggling to meet the standards, but in 1999, 29 states concentrate on these students. Although serious incentives and consequences tied to standards are being established, states still need to provide more resources to help students at risk. (SLD)

Descriptors: *Academic Achievement; *Academic Standards; Elementary Secondary Education; *State Programs; *Testing Programs; Trend Analysis