| Standards Based Education
The State of California places a strong emphasis on implementing
a standards based curriculum. In language arts, mathematics, social science,
and science the State has defined specifically what students should know
and be able to do in kindergarten through grade twelve.
The textbooks approved by the State are aligned with the
standards in math, language arts, social studies, and science. State tests
are given to all students in grades 3-11 to indicate if students are meeting
standards. The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), which every
student must pass to graduate, is also based on the standards. Each student
is expected to meet the grade level standards starting in elementary school
to be able to pass the CAHSEE.
Standards based education represents a major commitment
to academic excellence. It is very important for students and parents
to understand the terms and how the process works.
COMMON TERMS
• Content standards state what are the most important
skills or concepts for a student to know and/or to be able to do (i.e.
new knowledge and skills to be learned in each subject and at each grade
level.) A complete list of standards is available at your school.
• Performance models are examples of excellent student
work.
• Proficiency tasks/assessments are problems, projects, or any other
appropriate assignment allowing students to show that they can use new
knowledge and skills in ways that equal or exceed the level of excellence
demonstrated by performance models.
• Rubrics (also known as scoring guides) are often
used to evaluate the quality of student work.
• Proficiency levels state the relative ability
of students to equal or exceed the quality of work represented by performance
models and are based on how well students do on specific proficiency assessments
or tasks.
Content standards are consistent statewide for grades K-12. Performance
models, performance assessments, rubrics, and proficiency levels will
be consistent among our elementary schools.
TEACHERS HELP YOUR CHILD TO MEET THE REQUIRED ACADEMIC
STANDARDS
Teachers focus instruction on standards identified for
each subject in each grade level. Students are made aware of the standards
being taught. Students are provided with information about how their work
will be evaluated and how their level of proficiency will be determined.
Teachers will continue to seek to modify instruction to meet a wide variety
of learning styles and levels of ability.
COMMUNICATING RESULTS TO PARENTS
The standards are summarized on a standards based report
card by “key standards.” “Key standards” are the
categories on the report card that represent over 200 content standards
at each grade level.
The report card will indicate the status of your child's
work towards reaching the end of the year proficiency level on each “key
standard.” Parents will know if their child is “below”,
“approaching”, “proficient”, or “advanced”
on the standard represented by key standards.
District policy and California law may require retention for students
who fail to meet standards. Please closely follow your child’s progress
and c0onsult frequently with his or her teacher.
HELPING YOUR CHILD MEET REQUIRED ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Learning is a continuous process that involves the home
as well as the school. Children need to see the relationship between the
classroom learning experience and their lives out of school. Children
benefit from the knowledge that parents are interested and supportive
of their educational progress. The following are general guidelines for
parental involvement in children’s education:
1. Establish a regular routine for the completion of homework.
2. Provide a quiet time and place for study.
3. Offer encouragement and help in completing assignments.
4. Ensure daily school attendance – with no tardies.
5. Maintain a positive manner about your child’s
school.
6. Communicate frequently with your child’s teacher.
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