1.   And the narrower focus will be further sharpened by new curriculum standards the company is now developing.

2.   At the same time we claim to be committed to local control of public schools, we subscribe to statewide curriculum standards.

3.   Board members will hear public testimony today on the new curriculum standards.

4.   Both states are introducing new curriculum standards and more rigorous standardized tests, so immigrant students need to learn English more quickly and thoroughly, the educators said.

5.   But Education Commissioner Leo F. Klagholz defended the proposal, saying the criticisms were premature and unfounded until the plan was fleshed out with financing figures and curriculum standards.

6.   But the board retains authority over curriculum standards, has limited input over textbook selection and approves or rejects applications for charter schools.

7.   But those guidelines were pushed aside almost as soon as they were introduced, and instructors say they have followed no systemwide curriculum standards since.

8.   By setting curriculum standards and a spending limit, Whitman intended to end the decades-old court battle over the disparity between the richest and poorest school districts.

9.   Chancellor Rudy Crew has decided that teachers need time to be trained to implement his new citywide curriculum standards, a spokesman said.

10.   Districts could only spend more than what the state deems necessary for the curriculum standards if local voters approve higher budgets at the polls.