On the short end of a false measure, as usual, are teachers and children. The commonly held perception is that the state pays 55 percent of school costs. It does technically pay 55 percent of Standards of Quality programs. However, these programs are so defined that the state only pays 43 percent of what is being done, compared to a national average of 50 percent. Local taxpayers make up the entire difference alone.
Localities feel unfairly overburdened.
Testing with NEA members in pilot states will take place in July and August. The big national kick-off for all members is scheduled for October 2001. NEA's hard at work on content development as well as on technical and implementation issues that will affect states.