ABSTRACT
The standards movement was launched amid a mythical national 'crisis' in education based upon the charge that our schools were in dire condition and largely to blame for a decline by the United States in international economic competition. Media portrayals of the summit were generally favorable, framing the summit as a 'historic event', a 'first' that could lead to important school improvements. The Charlottesville Summit was an important turning point for its symbolic meaning and specific contributions. It shifted the debate to standards and national performance goals and brought a much stronger focus on accountability. Bush and his staff were looking for ways to stimulate support for school reform without significantly expanding federal spending or control. Progressive education was at bay and a corporate model for school reform was in ascendance. The business community, which had long been active in lobbying efforts, had gotten its act together like never before in a broad effort to influence American life.
