Across the Atlantic

The Queen's annual speech to Parliament took place in London earlier today. (For those not up on their British government, the Queen presents "Her Government's" plans for the year in a speech to both houses of Parliament. In this case, Labour is in power and thus is presenting its plans for the year.) It included this line which has caused a bit of a fervor:

Legislation will be brought forward to introduce guarantees for pupils and parents to raise educational standards.

The question here is whether one can indeed "guarantee" a quality education. Is this opening school districts to suits from parents who feel that their child has not received one? And what is the responsibility of the national government?