This brochure describes the state of Washington's efforts to improve its educational program and to ensure that the state's young people are receiving the knowledge and skills they will need in the 21st century. In 1993, Washington established a Commission on Student Learning to work toward four educational goals. These goals call for students to: (1) read with comprehension, write with skill, and communicate effectively and responsibly; (2) know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history; geography; the arts; and health and fitness; (3) think analytically, logically, and creatively and integrate experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems; and (4) understand the importance of work and how performance, effort, and decisions affect career and educational opportunities. At the heart of the state's academic improvement efforts are high and clear academic standards in eight core areas. With these standards in place, schools are implementing a new assessment system that includes new tests at grades 4, 7, and 10 and classroom assessments for teachers to use every year. Informational score reports and increased teacher training will make sure that these assessments are useful and informative. Specific goals have been defined for the content areas of reading, writing, and mathematics, and some sample questions are presented from the tests for these subjects. A system is being developed to ensure that all Washington students receive the education they need and deserve. This accountability system will include predictable consequences for exceeding expectations or for failing to succeed, with assistance and intervention for schools and districts as needed. Once the schools have had time to implement the new standards fully, graduating seniors will be required to earn a Certificate of Mastery as evidence that they have met basic academic requirements. Earning the certificate will mean that students must show what they have learned rather than merely spending the required amount of time in class. A question-and-answer section discusses some of the issues of greatest concern to parents. Four Washington state resources for further information are listed. (SLD)