Focus on
Standards-Based Instruction
Classroom
School
District
Standards-based Classroom
A classroom where teachers and students have a
clear understanding of the expectations
(standards). They know what they are
teaching/learning each day (standards), why the
day’s learning is an important thing to know or
know how to do (relevance), and how to do it
(process).
Standards-based learning is a process, not an event.
Students have a right to understand the
expectations they are to meet, and
teachers have a right to understand the
parameters within which their
instruction takes place.
~Douglas Reeves
Focus on
Standards-Based Instruction
Classroom
School
District
Planning and Preparation
 High expectations
 The teacher articulates a belief in each student’s ability
to learn
 Planning reflects an understanding of differentiated
instruction and multiple intelligences
 Assessment
 Assessment plan incorporates formative, summative,
and performance-based assessment
 Assessment aligned to standards and objectives
 Rubrics and anchor projects/papers are developed for
project-based learning
 Existing student performance data is analyzed
Planning and Preparation
 Clear objectives/Essential questions
 Standards/anchors/essential content is clearly defined
 Interdisciplinary, cross-curricular connections are in
evidence
 Process of student learning is emphasized in addition
to content
 Available district resources (staff, instructional
technology, curriculum resources) are utilized to their
fullest potential
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Technology is integrated into teaching and learning
Classroom Environment
 Student-centered
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Students take ownership of own learning by reflecting
and revising their work
Students actively participate in learning
 Noisy, fun and engaging
 Real cooperative learning
Students learn HOW to learn
No secrets/No surprises
Communication and collaboration
Positive attitude
Classroom Environment
 Common language
 Current standards
being addressed are
posted/highlighted
 Word walls
 PSSA vocabulary
 Maslow’s hierarchy
 Students have proper
nutrition and a
comfortable learning
environment
 Good air quality,
lighting, few
distractions
Instruction
 Constructivist approaches
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Project-based learning
Anchor papers
Higher-level thinking
Student portfolios
Student ownership of learning
Students participate in creation of rubrics
Instruction
 True differentiated instruction
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Process, product, and content are varied
according to students’ interest, learning style,
multiple intelligences, and ability level
Accountable talk and constant feedback to
students are heard in the classroom
Instructional strategies reflect enrichment,
remediation, and intervention
Continuous assessment helps drive instruction
All students participate
Professional Responsibilities
 Parental involvement
 Standards achievement reported to parents
and students
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Standards-based report cards
 Teacher facilitation/teacher reflection
 Peer collaboration
 High accountability for ALL stakeholders
 Shift from what we have always done
Focus on
Standards-Based Instruction
School
Classroom
District
Standards-Based School
 Mission and vision clearly defined and
communicated
 Clear expectations/High expectations
 Focus on student learning and achievement
 What is done fits with mission and vision
 Activities tied to standards and to learning
 Standards visible throughout building
 Principal is viewed as the instructional leader
Standards-Based School
 Collaborative environment
 Collaborative teams
 "What if" versus "We can't"
 Problem-solving approaches
 Specific, relevant, measurable, and timebound goals
 Celebrations of learning and mastery
 Posted student/teacher work
Standards-Based School
 Efforts of the school are focused on continuous
evaluation and improvement
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Student learning and achievement is reported to the
district
Student data is posted
Data-driven decision making is used to ensure all
students are learning
Data is used as a tool, not a hammer
Effective use of time and resources is evaluated
Assessment, including the PSSA, is an integral
part of instruction
Standards-Based School
 Stakeholder involvement
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Teacher leaders are involved as instructional
coaches
Time and support provided to both teachers
and administrators
Teacher feedback is frequently requested
Relevant professional development
Focus on
Standards-Based Instruction
District
Classroom
School
Standards-Based School District
 Provide vision and leadership
 District goals and objectives promote
standards-based instruction
 Communicate importance of standards to all
stakeholders
 Curriculum driven by standards
 Decisions based upon standards
 Employ best practices in planning, evaluating
and revising programs
 Ensure consistency among subjects and
grades
 Define clear organizational path to achieving
the objectives of a standards-based district
Standards-Based School District
 Provide appropriate resources
 Ensure resources are of best quality and available to
all students and teachers
 Design and deliver professional development and
support to administrative staff based on stakeholder
feedback
 Provide professional development that is building and
department specific
 Report student learning and mastery of standards to
board, community and state
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Analyze data systematically
 Celebrate student achievement district-wide
Standards-Based School District
 Hire competent staff that understand and
embrace the district philosophy
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Develop leadership from within the teaching
staff
Provide feedback to teachers
Virtual Tour of a
Standards-Based Classroom
Additional Resources
http://www.nazarethasd.k12.pa.us/standards