We are passing kids along who don't have the necessary skills to be successful at the next grade level. It's crucial that we set standards, so teachers know what has to be taught and learned at each grade level. But standards alone won't turn around the overwhelming problems facing California schools. We need to be able to hire tutors and aides and do whatever it takes to get students up to speed. Lowering class size is a start, but there are other things we can do.
Standards are just the beginning.