VOA慢速英语:National Standards for US Schools Gain Support From States

1.President George W. Bush and Congress expanded federal intervention. His education law, still in effect, required states to show yearly progress in student learning as measured by the states' own tests.

in effect(法律或规则)在实施中; 有效

例句：The rule is still in effect.
      本规则仍然有效。

2.Former president Bill Clinton said it was as if somehow school boards "could legislate differences in algebra or math or reading."

as if好像, 似乎, 仿佛

例句：Why doesn't she buy me a drink?It isn't as if she had no money!
      她为什么不给我买一点饮料?好像她没钱似的!

3.Texas and Alaska were the only states not to take part.

not to take part不定式做后置定语

(一)不定式常可用来修饰物，表示要做某事。

如：The next train to arrive was from NewYork.下一列到站的火车是从纽约开来的。

I have nothing to say on this question.在这个问题上，我没有什么话要说。

We are looking for somewhere to live.我们正在找一个地方住。

(二)不定式还可用来修饰人。

如：He was the first guest to arrive.他是第一个到达的客人。

Miss Brown was the next person to rise to speak.布朗小姐是下一个起来发言的人。

He was a brave man to do what he did.他是个勇者才有这样的行为。

(三)很多特定的名词后也可用不定式做定语，这样的名词常用的有：way，time，reason，chance，opportunity，need，wish，effort，right，ambition等。

如：It's time for you to get up and go to school.你该起床去上学了。

There is no reason to doubt his word.没有理由怀疑他的话。

They have now an opportunity to go abroad to study further.他们现在有机会出国深造。

(四)某些动词或形容词后可接不定式时，它相应的同根名词也常用不定式做定语。

如：He made an attempt to learn English well.他试图学好英语。(attempt to do sth)

His ability to get on with people is his chief advantage.他能和人相处是他的主要优势。(be able to do sth)

I don't trust his promise to come for a visit.我不相信他来访的诺言。(promise to do sth)

Her anxiety to succeed led her to work hard.她迫切想成功，这促使她努力工作。(be anxious to do sth)

4.The developers considered standards in other countries, along with almost one hundred thousand public comments.

along with除...以外(还)，和...一起[一道], 随着

例句：Tobacco is taxed in most countries, along with alcohol.
      除酒以外, 烟草在多数国家都要征税。

      The old man hobble along with the aid of his stick.
      那老人借助手杖蹒跚而行。