Whole Language hangs on, but OBE has lost its vigor. Special Education has become inclusion, which is practically what it was before it became Special Education. Apparently, not the public who supports the schools. A Means of Enhancing the Recognition of Teachers as Professionals Standards and professional training can, in theory, at least, be directly linked. In practice, this is harder than it sounds, but at least the theoretical connection is clear.
Special training defines professional expertise.
Let's consider mathematics. Barring the effects of disparities in school funding, domestic upheaval, poverty, disease, social disorder, crime, school violence, drug usage, student lack of interest, and parental complacency, these national standards in mathematics will bring students to almost genius levels of math competence. They might transform our entire culture. A lovely dream. These are perhaps the most important questions.