Standards+Aligned+Instruction



The Standards-oriented movement has been growing with momentum for the past several years. Pennsylvania Standards describe what students should know and be able to do; they increase in complexity and sophistication as students progress through school. **Fair Assessment** is a process used by teachers and students before, during, and after instruction to provide feedback and adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve student achievement. The Curriculum Framework specifies what is to be taught for each subject in the curriculum. In Pennsylvania, Curriculum Frameworks include Big Ideas, Concepts, Competencies, and Essential Questions aligned to Standards and Assessment Anchors and, where appropriate, Eligible Content.


 * Curriculum Framework Definitions:**
 * **•** || **Big Ideas:** Declarative statements that describe concepts that transcend grade levels. Big Ideas are essential to provide focus on specific content for all students. ||
 * **•** || **Concepts:** Describe what students should know (key knowledge) as a result of this instruction specific to grade level. ||
 * **•** || **Competencies:** Describe what students should be able to do (key skills) as a result of this instruction, specific to grade level. ||
 * **•** || **Essential Questions:** Questions connected to the SAS framework and are specifically linked to the Big Ideas. They should frame student inquiry, promote critical thinking, and assist in learning transfer. ||

Aligned instruction comprises the following activities:
 * Teaching topics that are aligned with the standards.
 * Ensuring the right level of challenge.
 * Focusing teaching based on the learning needs of each student.
 * Implementing instructional strategies to increase student achievement.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned Systems website provides a plethora of material that relate to these topics. For more information, please access the following link: http://www.pdesas.org