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Approaches to equitable performance standards and assessment are discussed with three points of focus. First, the work of the National Education Goals Panel is described, with particular attention to Goal 3, Student Achievement and Citizenship, and the Panel's efforts to establish world-class standards of performance. National standards are assumed to include content standards, student performance standards, school delivery standards, and system performance standards. Second, four possible approaches to standard-setting for students with special needs are presented. They include the following: one standard for everybody; same standard, different conditions; different standards for different groups; and exclusion of some groups from assessment altogether. Potential advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed. Third, a discussion of how states are reacting to the national interest in standard-setting and assessments focuses on the standards-based approach to educational improvement adopted in Delaware. The New Directions for Education in Delaware reform plan adopted in May, 1992, clearly defines a strategy of educational standards and related assessments and accountability that will define the nature of educational change needed if Delaware students are to be prepared for life in the 21st century. Four Delaware Curriculum Framework Commissions (English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) participate in the standards development. Contains 7 references. (LB)