Leaders of the nation's local United Ways yesterday approved standards to enhance financial disclosure and expand the role of the national organization.

In the final days of the session, the lawmakers scrambled to approve tougher standards of conduct.

For example, the law gives it the power to "approve standards, policies, objectives, and regulations proposed by the chancellor directly related to educational achievement and student performance."

In January, the board approved stricter standards that would force builders to install abatement measures in many commercial projects.

New York recently approved toughened standards, Mr. Gannon said.

The board can now approve standards only by a super-majority vote - five of its seven members, two of whom come from companies.

The Secretary of State has power to approve such standards, e. g.

In a separate action today, the Regents approved new standards for history and other social studies classes statewide.

The Regents approved standards in each grade in the major subject areas.

Boston has approved standards drafted by the landmarks commission that prohibit the paving of front yards.