How does Standards-based Teaching impact Student Learning?

Standards-based instruction guides the planning, implementation and assessment of student learning. The use of standards to streamline instruction ensures that teaching practices deliberately focus on agreed upon learning targets. Expectations for student learning are mapped out with each prescribed standard and the road map to mastery is clearly defined within the adopted curriculum.

Teachers align classroom instructions and assessments with the standards, ensuring that their students will meet these high demands. This approach may be used by teachers to track student performance and plan focused instructions to meet the specific needs of students.

Often, on the introductory pages of many state-developed standards, there is a further disclaimer that reads something like “the standards serve as the basis for statewide assessments, curriculum frameworks, and instructional materials, but methods of instructional delivery remain the responsibility of local educators.”

Standards-based teaching streamlines and eliminates random teaching practices that tap into the preferences of the teacher rather than the instructional needs of the student. For instance, a classroom teacher would not teach a concept considered not “standardized” or unrecognized. Gone are the days when a teacher would teach about something for six months because they enjoy the topic. Rather, a set curriculum map is followed to adhere to the standards outlined for each grade level. Teaching to the standards modernizes and levels the playing field for all learners.

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