Understanding Standards-based Instruction

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 instruction and assessment with the standards, ensuring that their students will meet these high demands. Following a standards-based model for classroom assessment and instruction is an approach teachers use to track student performance and plan focused instruction 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.”

From Professional Learning Board’s online continuing education course for teachers: Integrating Standards in Teaching