Standards-Based

All instruction is aligned to the grade-level standards as specified in the NC Standard Course of Study.

Why is this important?

The North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) defines the appropriate content standards for each grade or proficiency level and each high school course to provide a uniform set of learning standards for every public school in North Carolina. These standards define what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each school year or course. The NC State Board of Education policy, SCOS-012, requires that each content area’s standards be reviewed every five-to-seven years to ensure the NCSCOS consists of clear, relevant standards and objectives.

Extended Content Standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are posted by content area. Unpacking documents and essential standards are available at the links in the accordion below. (NCDPI reference)

What does it look like in GCPS classrooms?

Please visit the K-12 Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction Google Site to access information, materials, and resources across areas and programs. If you are a CTE Teacher, your materials can be accessed in NCCTE Admin.

What are some reliable resources to support classroom implementation?

Unpacking Documents are provided for every subject area along with the state standards. These take the state standards and break them down into what students must understand, know, and be able to do and specific vocabulary in each unit.
The Quick Reference Guide for The North Carolina Standard Course of Study is a resource for teachers as they plan instruction to implement the North Carolina Standard Course of Study across multiple content areas. There are nine Quick Reference Guides available – one for each of the grade levels from kindergarten through 8th grade. The inclusion of standards for all subject areas within single, grade-specific documents is intended to make planning for instruction more efficient and may be particularly useful for educators teaching multiple disciplines or collaborating to plan integrated instruction. These guides may be downloaded from the link below.
Career and Technical Education curriculum and resources are found in NCCTE Admin.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Resources

Is the focus of the resource aligned with the standards?

Does this resource have coherence? Does it help students to think across grades and link to major topics within the grades?

Is the resource rigorous? Does it address conceptual understanding, procedural skill, and application?

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