The Thomas B. Fordham Institute , a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, has published its study of standards among American schools, "The State of State Standards 2006." I have no affiliation with this organization whose stated mission is to close achievement gaps by raising standards, strengthening accountability, and expanding educational options for parents and families. Grades & criticism are listed for school standards in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. The url, and if all goes well, the link, follow:
www.edexcellence.net/institute/publication/publication.cfm?id=358&pubsubid=1368#1368

A condensed sample of the Institute's commentary for our state: "Washington's English standards need some definite reworking. ...(I)nstead of providing recommendations about which books and authors constitute good literature worthy of in-depth analysis, Washington would rather put forth social and political topics to guide student reading. Thus, we have standards that not only bring nothing of much worth to the table, but we have standards that actually do more harm than good. Washington should return to the drawing board."