The New York State Education Department has determined that all children in the state of New York can do better. Based on this determination our benchmarks have been raised significantly. Children that were acknowledged a year ago for high achievement are now being told that that achievement is no longer good enough. Our schools are expected to meet even more rigorous expectations than those that we have reached in the past. We do not shirk from this responsibility, though daunting, we welcome it because the end result will be children that are more prepared to become productive citizens in a community of promise.