This digest discusses the rationale behind and development of the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) standards. To ensure that English language learners (ELLs) would have access to effective educational programs and the opportunity to reach high standards, the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) decided to pursue the development of the ESL standards. A conceptual framework that articulated TESOL's vision of effective education for ELLs was drafted. The framework calls on all educational personnel to assume responsibility for ELLs and demands that schools provide these students with access to all services, such as gifted and talented courses. The framework also lists principles of second language acquisition and explains the benefits of bilingualism and the contribution of native language proficiency to the development of English. Nine ESL content standards are organized under three educational goals. They state what students should know and be able to do as a result of ESL instruction and set goals for students' social and academic language development and sociocultural competence. The ESL standards are listed in the digest. Discussion highlights what the standards mean for educators, implementation of the ESL Standards, and future directions. (VWL)