This document is the first of a two-part series designed to help teachers, schools, and districts to implement standards-based instruction. Part 1, The Foundation for Improvement, explains why standards-based instruction improves teaching and learning. Part 2, First Steps to a Standards-Based Classroom, describes how to adapt the curriculum to help students meet the standards. Part 3, Phasing in Standards-Based Instruction, discusses when to expect new developments in the standards-based system. Part 4, The 1997-98 Content Standards (which comprises the bulk of the publication), describes what students need to learn in the areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, second languages, and careers. Part 5, Resources, offers a list of contacts for further information. The second half of the series will be a tool kit for teachers, with tested resources for assessing and adapting curriculum to better address the standards. The two parts together will offer a full overview of the standards-based instruction system and how to help students succeed within it. (SM)