Standards-based curriculum ensures that learning goals are clearly defined and that students progress toward consistent learning outcomes across grade levels. These resources help schools align curriculum, instruction, and assessment to agreed-upon standards and proficiency levels.
Standards-based learning focuses on clearly defined learning goals and measuring student progress toward those goals. This approach helps ensure consistency across classrooms and provides clearer information about student learning.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Understand what standards-based learning means
Transition from traditional grading to standards-based learning
Clarify learning outcomes and proficiency levels
Communicate standards-based learning to parents
Link Resources:
Options for Standards-Based Curriculum
Intro to Standards-Based Learning
Standards Framework Examples
Aligning curriculum to standards ensures that what is taught matches the school’s learning goals and that students build knowledge and skills progressively from one grade to the next.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Align curriculum to learning standards
Map standards across grade levels
Identify gaps or repetition in the curriculum
Ensure learning progression from grade to grade
Link Resources:
Curriculum Mapping Templates
Standards Alignment Tools
Vertical Alignment Templates
Standards-based systems often use proficiency levels instead of traditional letter grades. Clear proficiency scales and reporting systems help teachers, students, and parents better understand student progress.
Use these resources if your school needs to:
Develop proficiency scales
Create standards-based report cards
Align grading practices across teachers
Improve communication about student learning
Link Resources:
Proficiency Scale Examples
Standards-Based Report Card Examples
Reporting Frameworks
Use of Materials
These resources are provided for AISA member schools for internal school use and adaptation. If you adapt or share these materials, please acknowledge the AISA Small Schools Resource Hub. Materials may not be sold or publicly redistributed without permission.