Standards

Standards

Standards are a topic that continues to grow in buzz and importance for education in the United States. When you see or hear the term "Standards" it is important to understand that different people mean different things when they use this concept. Do they mean state standards? National standards? Local standards? Clarify this with the person who is speaking to understand where they are coming from.

Standards, like everything else are controversial. At the heart of the movement is a desire to ensure that all students who are going to school receiving the same education: be it in a school district, state or in the nation. People in favor of this say that what is being taught and what students should know and be able to do should not vary based on where they go to school. Individuals that are against standards usually argue against standards on four points... As with many of the other topics we have discussed so far this semester, I can pretty much guarantee that you will get a question about standards when you interview for a job someday. For that reason alone, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with these concepts. media type="youtube" key="sWLrg8dqtwY" height="315" width="560"
 * 1) When making standards, there is a tendency to water standards down to make the standards easier for all students to meet.
 * 2) Standards are often so vague and general that they are of little practical use
 * 3) If standards are specifically written, they take the creativity out of teaching and are too prescriptive.
 * 4) Standards represent an attempt by a higher level of government to extend their influence unnecessarily over a local authority. This is bad because the local authorities would best know how to educate local kids.

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Links 10 Thematic Threads - National Council on Social Studies Education World - Links to National Standards State of North Dakota Content Standards Common Core Standards Official Website Common Core - Curriculum Mapping Links