21.   But he says real gains in student achievement are evident in a variety of other measurements besides test scores.

22.   But Texas teachers do not want to be evaluated based on the standardized basic skills test used by the state to measure minimal student achievement.

23.   But the committee warned that too many distractions are making it hard for new Superintendent Benjamin Demps Jr. to focus on student achievement.

24.   But the result, principals say, is improved student achievement and a strengthened relationship between teacher and parent.

25.   But traditionalists argue that student achievement has dropped over the past decade precisely because schools have been too concerned about whether students are happy.

26.   Charles Baldwin, principal at Olive View Middle School, said Zacarias focused the group to push for student achievement.

27.   Charter-school supporters are confident that student achievement at such schools will reach high levels, regardless of whether they use certified or uncertified teachers.

28.   Charter schools are allowed to operate free of most state and district regulations, with the expectation that student achievement will improve.

29.   Cortines argued that the change would be difficult but necessary if the school system was going to improve student achievement.

30.   Downplaying the effect of desegregation on student achievement, however, drew a retort from Souter.