What is Standards-Based Learning?

Watch this short clip about standards-based learning!

Standards-based learning is...

  • instruction, assessment, and grading based on students demonstrating understanding or mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn.

  • having written descriptions displayed of what students are expected to know and be able to do at a specific grade.

  • teachers working collaboratively to determine how and what to teach students so they achieve learning expectations described in the standards.

  • is to ensure that students acquire essential knowledge and skills to succeed in school, higher education, careers, and adult life.

  • ensuring students meet learning goals, if students do not meet expected learning standards, they may receive additional instruction, practice time, and other academic supports to help them meet the learning expectations described in the standards.


(Great Schools Partnership, 2017)

Reflect

You run into your neighbor at the grocery store. Their daughter is attending a school where they have recently adapted standards-based learning. Your neighbor begins talking negatively about the school and how they should just keep things the way they always have. How would you explain standards-based learning to your neighbor?

Questions to ask your child's teacher

  • What standards will you cover this grading period?

  • If my child does not meet the learning expectations, what can I do to help them?

  • Does standards-based learning affect how you grade?

Next, you will explore why schools choose standards-based learning.

The learning cycle featured in this project is based on the STAR Legacy Cycle developed by the IRIS Center (2013; http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu), and based on the work of Dr. John Branford and colleagues (National Research Council, 2000).