States Only Part of the Way Toward Their Goals for 2000

While the nation is unlikely to reach its eight education goals by 2000, the expectations they've raised have helped guide and inspire state efforts to improve schools.

"I don't think we'd have seen the grassroots interests we've had without something going on nationally," said David D. Anderson, the coordinator for curriculum development for the Texas Education Agency.

Six goals, which target student achievement, school safety, and other areas, were adopted in 1990 by President Bush and the nation's governors. Goals for teacher training and parent involvement were added...