WHEN 48 STATES launched an effort to formulate a set of standards for what children should learn in math and reading, there was a lot of skepticism. Considering that earlier efforts to establish national standards were doomed by resistance from the states, many doubted the states' ability to come up with something truly meaningful. That, however, is exactly what's been accomplished with the first public draft of grade-by-grade common standards: They are detailed and they aim high. It's important that any changes strengthen, not weaken, the final product.

AS DIRECTOR of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei often styled himself as a political leader rather than an international civil servant, especially after he and his agency were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He launched broadsides against the Bush administration and tried to fashion his own solution for the Iranian nuclear program. We objected to Mr. ElBaradei's misuse of his position and are glad that his successor, Yukiya Amano, is embracing the nonpartisan professionalism that the IAEA role demands. Meanwhile, Mr. ElBaradei has found an outlet for his political ambitions that we find much more appropriate: tilting at the rotting autocracy of his native country, Egypt.

THROUGH NO FAULT of its own, the Maryland Legal Services Corp. continues to suffer serious budget shortfalls that imperil the ability of legal aid lawyers to help poverty-stricken clients secure food stamps, housing assistance and unemployment benefits.