Why Use Standards-Based Learning?

Standards-based learning is used because...

standards set clear and measurable goals.
student learning becomes transparent.
the focus is placed on learning.
learners evolve into confident, reflective, and self-aware students.
classrooms become student-centered and rich with vulnerability and risk-taking.
classrooms change from a culture of compliance to a culture of learning.

(Chalk.com Education Inc., 2020; Heflebower et al., 2014; Heflebower et al., 2019; Stalets, M., 2018)

Reflect

It is that time of year for parent conferences and report cards. This year, the teacher has requested that your child attend the conference with you. To your surprise, your child leads the conference and shows you what they have learned and what they still need to learn based on the standards the class is working on in each subject. As you listen, you see that your child has ownership in their learning progress and goals. After attending the conference, why do you think the school chose to change to standards-based learning?

Questions to ask your child's teacher

How does my child know what they are expected to learn?
How does my child show mastery of a standard?
Are there multiple opportunities for my child to show mastery?

Next, you will explore how do you know if your student is 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).

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