PYP STANDARDS AT ABA

From Learning Continuums to Standards: Strengthening Alignment and Clarity

At ABA, our approach to learning is rooted in growth, reflection, and shared understanding. For many years, our learning continuums have guided teachers in tracking student progress across phases of development. These continuums have served us well — allowing each child to be seen as a unique learner, progressing at their own pace and demonstrating growth in a variety of ways.

This year, we are taking the next step in our journey by shifting from learning continuums to a standards-based approach, drawing on the AERO (American Education Reaches Out) standards. This work is part of our continued effort to ensure that every student’s learning experience is both internationally minded and academically rigorous.

Why AERO Standards?

The AERO standards provide a clear, research-based framework for what students should know, understand, and be able to do at each grade level. Developed with international schools in mind, AERO standards:

• Build strong alignment between IB principles and international benchmarks

• Provide a common language for curriculum design, instruction, and assessment 

• Support consistency and clarity across grade levels and subject areas, and

• Strengthen the transferability of learning for students moving between international schools.
  
  

In adopting these standards, our goal is not to standardize learners, but to standardize expectations — ensuring coherence, transparency, and equity across our curriculum while still honoring individual learning journeys.

The Work Underway This Year

Throughout this academic year, our teams are:

• Mapping AERO standards to our current PYP scope and sequences,

• Re-articulating learning outcomes in student-friendly language,

• Developing common assessment criteria aligned with both AERO and IB frameworks, and

• Engaging teachers in professional learning to deepen understanding of standards-based teaching and reporting.
  
  

As this work evolves, families will begin to see how the standards help clarify what is being learned and how progress is measured — providing greater transparency and a shared sense of purpose between home and school.

Looking Ahead

The shift to a standards-based approach represents a natural evolution in our learning culture. It allows us to maintain the flexibility and inquiry-driven nature of the PYP, while also ensuring that our students’ learning is grounded in clear, high-quality expectations recognized across international education systems.

We remain committed to the same belief that has always guided us — that each learner’s growth matters most. The use of standards simply helps us see that growth more clearly and communicate it more meaningfully.

Grade level curriculum overviews: 

These curriculum overview documents provide more information about what your child is learning throughout the academic year connected to units of inquiry. Please note that curriculum overviews are subject to change at any time. 

FC KG Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5