The Scottish Executive Council is working closely with education authorities, schools, and parents to ensure that all Scotland's children have the opportunities and encouragement to attain high standards in literacy and numeracy. The framework for education that has been put in place through the "Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000" allows education authorities and schools to develop innovative and flexible approaches to education while ensuring that high standards are maintained nationally. The national statements on raising attainment in literacy and numeracy provide for the first time a complete overview of the national guidance, resources, and initiatives available across pre-school, primary, and secondary education. The main issues to be addressed are: the raising of levels of attainment amongst students experiencing poverty and injustice; the promotion of links between preschool, primary, and secondary schools; the improvement of standards in S1/S2 in particular; the disparity in attainment in literacy between boys and girls; and the encouragement of education authorities to share good practice. This commentary document provides an overview of the contents of the national statements and is intended for Directors of Education, primary (elementary) and secondary teachers, members of school boards and other interested parties. (NKA)