Groups Outline Steps To Boost Reading, Math

By Ann Bradley

Washington

Twelve of the nation's leading education groups pledged last week to work together--in concrete ways--to improve the teaching of reading and mathematics.

Delegates to a summit called by the Learning First Alliance, an umbrella organization formed last fall, signed off on "action papers" detailing what steps should be taken in the two core subjects to enhance student achievement.

The 125 delegates here, acknowledging that they haven't always coordinated their efforts in the past, promised to focus on three areas: professional development; engaging parents and the public in efforts to improve schools; and ensuring that instruction, curriculum, and materials are grounded in "the best...