Both states realized and acted on the critical role of the business community. Businesses became models to follow because they work with clear objectives, are decentralized, and demand measurement of progress and accountability. Learning from the business community has become a long-term commitment, and the two states rely on the continuity of the strong involvement of a few business leaders who are committed to reform of public education. Business leaders took the time to learn about education issues and were able to serve in key positions in the reform effort for each state. The business community also provided key support for legislation by organizing political support, providing funds and by helping the reform movement overcome strong opposition from education groups.
Education policies are now strategic and legislative rather than tactical and local.
In both states, the behavior of school faculty and administration slowly began to change. Teachers became more focused on standards, began to utilize scores for diagnostic purposes, focused on marginal students more and began to use a wider set of teaching strategies and different resources. In Texas, since 1996, average reading scores across grades have grown the most among African-American students. In math, average test scores for black students, across grades, have matched and then exceeded white students' scores by 1998. In North Carolina, average math scores for black students rose to match those of their white classmates' by 1997.