This newsletter includes three articles, two of which focus on standards for student evaluation and for admission to higher education. "A Measuring Stick for Standards and TEKS: Meeting the Needs of Second Language Learners" (Laura Chris Green, Adela Solis) examines beliefs embodied in the notion of standards; defines content, performance, and opportunity-to-learn standards; discusses development of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), new curriculum and instructional guidelines; and calls for modifications to TEKS to meet the needs of students learning English as a second language. "Criteria for Diversity: THECB's Advisory Committee Suggests New Criteria" (Albert Cortez) discusses Hopwood vs. the State of Texas, which challenged use of racial and ethnic factors in college admissions and financial decisions; examines possible criteria promoting student diversity in college admissions; and lists recommendations for legislation and institutional practices from an advisory committee of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). In an unrelated article, "Equity and Excellence: Current Issues in the 75th Texas Legislative Session" (Albert Cortez, Anna Alicia Romero) examines state educational policy issues: school finance equity, property taxes, public funding for private schools, language policy and bilingual education, access to public education for immigrant students, minority access to higher education, alternative educational placements for disruptive students, and school accountability. Also included is "The Analogy of the Amoeba" (Jose A. Cardenas), commentary on the need to adapt instructional programs to student needs and characteristics. Contains references. (SV)