Riley Urges 'Review' Of Standards

By Joetta L. Sack

Durham, N.C.

Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley's call for a "midcourse review" of the standards movement comes at exactly the right time, supporters of the effort to raise academic expectations for students said last week.

"His caution is important because we're at a time where states have developed standards, but I don't think states have begun to put in place all the things they need to do to meet those standards," said Velma L. Cobb, the director of education policy and youth development for the National Urban League.

Mr. Riley issued his call at a high school here Feb. 22 during his seventh and final State of American Education speech. The address covered a wide range of proposals, including a pitch for making...