Standards-based reform relies on the premise that every student can reach higher levels of achievement if certain criteria are met. This brief, for policymakers, provides a short history of educational standards, an explanation of how standards-based reform works, and ways to align standards with other key policies to create meaningful reform. Standards are based on seven principles: (1) challenging standards apply to all students; (2) standards are clear, tangible, and widely communicated; (3) success is based on adequate time and student effort; (4) a variety of instructional strategies is used; (5) curriculum, assessments, and instruction align with content standards; (6) a variety of assessment tools is used; and (7) multiple levels of academic achievement are established. When these principles are applied, the evidence suggests that student learning will improve. Yet standards alone cannot raise student achievement. They need the support of other key policies on curriculum, assessment, teacher education, professional development, finances, and accountability. This brief is one in a series of ECS reports examining the impact of the No Child Left Behind education act on state policy and policymaking. (WFA)