"The new Standards of Learning are important
because they set reasonable targets and expectations for what teachers
need to teach and students need to learn. Clear, concise academic standards
will let parents and teachers know what is expected of students, and each
student's performance and achievement can be measured against the standards.
This requirement provides greater accountability on the part of the public
schools and gives the local school boards the autonomy and flexibility
they need to offer programs that best meet the educational needs of students."
