"Part of the need for tutors is what I call the 'Algebra Gap,'" said Riley. "Only 23% of eighth graders take this gateway course [algebra], and in order to improve education and raise the scores of our eighth grade and twelfth grade students, algebra is a must."

While most of Riley's ideas were well-received by the audience, several audience members worried about the new standards and their effect on teachers.

One audience member stood up to challenge Riley, saying even with an honors degree in mathematics, she was kept from receiving her teaching certificate because she had to take elementary, but required courses in that subject.

Rebecca C. Hardiman '01 said she agreed.

"A teacher may be absolutely qualified for her position, but because of inflexible licensing and overlapping standards, good teachers may get forced out," Hardiman said.

Janine G. McLaren, a former Boston area social worker, said she worries the gains and programs initiated by the Clinton Administration may be wiped away by a future administration.

"I couldn't stay in social work, because I always lived hand-to-mouth. One day a program would be funded. The next, it would be gone, and I would be laid off. I couldn't keep doing that," McLaren said. "I just hope there is some way to insure the continuity of these new programs that Secretary Riley speaks about."