In Standards Push, Lawmakers Cheer States’ Initiative

Effort draws support, though many are wary of federal involvement

Washington

As state leaders push forward with an agreement to develop a set of common, voluntary academic standards, federal policymakers seem inclined to nurture the nascent effort by providing incentives, lending rhetorical support—and staying out of the way.

Lawmakers from both parties in Congress have applauded an effort already under way by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association, both based in Washington, to come up with uniform, rigorous standards that states can adopt. ( "Standards To Receive Fresh Push," April 22, 2009.)

But some in Congress seem keenly aware that, for now, significant federal leadership would only hinder the movement, potentially bogging it...