This book chapter is of interest to teachers and administrators of language programs, particularly those who are not language teachers themselves. The authors provide a clear explanation of the relationship between National Standards, state frameworks, and local curricula and illustrate some challenges in the implementation of National Standards by providing historical information on the case of math Standards and three cases of second-language Standards from around the United States. The article includes survey results from teachers, local, district and state administrators on the possible impact of Standards on education. The article appeared right when the National Standards were published, and the authors give recommendations for their successful implementation.#BookSection #Outcomes #Principalfocus #All #All #Curriculum #Standards #Teachers and teaching #PolicyorAdministrative #Assessment #All5Cs #Teachers and teaching