SBE Parent Information
Standards-Based Education Parent Information
Developing a standards-based curriculum and shifting toward standards-reflected grades requires changes in the way teachers teach and in the way schools view education. The shift to standards-based education is perhaps one of the most comprehensive and complex endeavors the public educational system has experienced in over 100 years.
Because change is challenging and because the education field requires constant reflection and revision, the documents and practices that exist today could very well change throughout the years. Please be assured that any changes are based on reflection, research, and effective practices, leading to a greater understanding of how students learn, and are always made with the best interests of students in mind.
“The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change.”
-- Heraclitus --
Talking Points
When talking with your child about his/her progress in school, consider asking your child the following questions:
- What standards are you working on in this class?
- What standards do you think you still need to learn?
- When was the last time you practiced / worked on [standard]?
- What feedback has your teacher given you on your work?
- When was the last time you were assessed (i.e. test, quiz, project) on [standard]?
- What is your proficiency level in this content area or standard? What do you need to do to improve? What are your areas of strength?
- Have you set a goal with your teacher regarding next steps toward reaching proficiency?
- Do you keep track of your own progress for these standards? If so, what does that pattern look like?
- When is your next opportunity to reassess on [standard]?
- What practice, studying and/or re-teaching opportunities have you completed in preparation for the next reassessment opportunity?
- Are you working on your homework/practice?
When contacting a teacher about learning in accordance with the standards, consider asking the following questions:
- When was the last time all students were assessed on [standard]?
- When is the next opportunity my child will have to reassess on [standard]?
- What practice, studying and/or re-teaching opportunities should my child take advantage of related to [standard] before reassessing?
- Is my child on target to reach the standard(s) by the end of instruction or end of the year?
- What will my child do after he/she reaches proficiency?
- Are formal assessments the only opportunity for my child to show proficiency?
- What other forms of communication can I expect outside of PowerSchool?