This publication, which includes both English and Spanish versions, explains that standards describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Every school that receives money from Title I, the federal educational aid program that provides extra educational services for children who are behind in school, must have standards set by the school district and the state. Because this is a new requirement to receive Title I money, in many schools the standards are still being developed. Content standards say what students are supposed to learn in different subjects, and performance standards say how well students have learned what they are supposed to learn. Schools use standards for planning curricula and programs, communicating expectations, helping teachers know what to teach, coordinating different classes, choosing materials, and determining what students need to achieve. Schools receiving Title I money must have the same standards for all students. These standards are usually set by the school district in accord with state standards. Parents should ask questions that help them know the standards for their children's schools and then help them judge how the standards are being applied and met. Parents should certainly ask how the school uses the standards. Suggestions are made about educators who can answer parent questions. A section of Title I of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 is attached to detail the Act's expectations for parent involvement in education. (SLD)