What is an educational standard?

An educational standard refers to benchmarks that outline what students should know and be able to do at various stages of their education. These standards serve as a foundation for developing curriculum, guiding instruction, and assessing student learning. They ensure consistency in what is taught across different classrooms, schools, and districts, providing clear expectations for both educators and students.

By establishing these benchmarks, educators can better prepare students for future academic challenges, align assessments to measure student progress, and ensure that all learners have access to quality education. Educational standards play a critical role in fostering equitable learning outcomes and supporting rigorous academic progress.

In contrast, guidelines for teacher performance focus on how educators should deliver instruction and manage classrooms, while criteria for classroom resources pertain to the materials and tools used to facilitate learning but do not define what students should learn. Measures of school funding effectiveness are aimed at evaluating how resources contribute to educational outcomes, which does not directly address the content knowledge and skills expected from students. Thus, the focus on benchmarks outlining student knowledge and abilities accurately defines the concept of educational standards.