Standards and other educational innovations have equal value. Science as inquiry and mathematics as problem solving are only instructional strategies. Standards can be met by selecting the right instructional materials. Standards are designed to be used directly by teachers as they design lessons. Inquiry as a mode of instruction ensures that inquiry as content is learned.
Standards provide a menu from which to select the portions to be implemented.
Systemic reform requires a policy that establishes only standards and assessment. Using the national standards in this manner leaves considerable latitude for state and local decision making. I will restate an earlier point. These documents thoroughly elaborate what all students should know and be able to do. In a systemic perspective, they define the systems or student outcomes and the content of the curriculum.