hi, everyone. Every year, it seems government leaders make pledges about improving education. We're told again and again that our future depends on it. so, how we are doing? not so well. not long ago, a national report founded that only 35% of highschool seniors are proficient in reading. and 23%, less than one-fourth, are proficient in math. 40% lucked even basic skills in high school math. but here's the thing, Despite those roamy numbers, and you don't need AP course of algebra to know those are roamy. kids are getting better grades. they are taking tougher courses and spending more time in class room. Why is this despiratory? Experts say it's because grading standards had gotton lower and grades have been inflated. We've got to do better if our kids are going to have great expectations, or even know who wrote the book. That's the page from my notebook, I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.