The lives of America's students, educators, and parents are being significantly touched by the current standards and accountability reform. The "Standards Primer" explores the historical development of this reform, and compares two different views of educational standards and accountability - technical standards and standards of complexity. How each view impacts curriculum, instruction, and assessment is discussed, and implications of these views for teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, community, and students are presented, along with a discussion of related issues involving equity and ethics on this topic. The "Standards Primer" provides critical information - including an extensive reference section containing print and nonprint resources - that will lead to informed decision making concerning this national educational reform.