Which of the following should a district leader monitor and evaluate?

Monitoring and evaluating the alignment of curriculum to standards is critical for a district leader because it directly impacts the quality of education provided to students. Ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with educational standards helps guarantee that students receive instruction that is relevant, comprehensive, and designed to meet established learning goals. This alignment enables educators to effectively teach the necessary content and skills that students must master, thereby improving overall student performance and achievement.

When the curriculum is closely monitored and evaluated for its alignment with standards, it allows for informed decision-making regarding instructional strategies, resource allocation, and professional development needs for teachers. It also provides a framework to assess whether students are being prepared for state assessments and future academic challenges, ensuring that the educational objectives set forth by the district are being met.

In contrast, while teachers' attendance, student enrollment metrics, and parental engagement levels are important factors within a school district's functioning, they do not have the same direct impact on the instructional quality and student learning outcomes as the alignment of the curriculum to the standards does. Monitoring these other aspects can provide valuable insights into school operations and community involvement, but the alignment of curriculum to standards is foundational for the educational mission of the district.