Maintains that with the publication of the National Geography Standards geography has taken a major stride toward demonstrating to teachers the breadth and significance of the discipline. Focuses on three aspects of geographic reality in the lives of teachers and students. Concludes that geographic knowledge is part of every person's life. (CFR)

Provides a progress report on the development process for the National Standards in Geography project. Discusses content and changes made in the fourth draft of the standards. Expresses disappointment in the comments of many geographic educators who criticized the standards for being too difficult or too lengthy. (CFR)