Action Overview: Components of a Standards-based Education System

Action: Stakeholders examine the components of a standards-based education system.

This set of resources is designed to help educators examine the components of a standards-based education system.  In this action, stakeholders are encouraged to consider how the components of a standards-based education support equity and innovation in their sites.

Introduction

Academic standards are at the root of a standards-based education system; they provide the foundation for career and college readiness. A standards-based education system fosters a culture of continuous improvement that supports professional learning for educators that leads to academic achievement for each and every student. While many components are necessary to create and sustain a standards-based education system, meeting the needs of learners, the most important feature of a standards-based education system is the focus on continuous improvement of instructional practices.

What are the components of a standards-based education system?

This Portal identifies components of a standards-based education system in the diagram shown below. They are informed by the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL, 2016), the Colorado Coalition for Standards-Based Education (2012) and others.

The first ring around students and educators indicates the need for instructional practices to be intentionally selected to improve student achievement of the academic standards. Curriculum materials support the instructional practices. Linked teams of educators collaborate to support instruction and determine how best to meet the needs of individual students and groups of students. The third ring shows the components that support the work of the linked teams, including reviewing data, creating/maintaining multiple systems of supports for students, and time dedicated to adult learning. The final ring shows components that are specifically connected to sustainability. While community engagement surrounds all of the work, a culture of equity and continuous improvement is evident throughout all components.

Suggested Activities

How do educators use Portal resources to explore the components of a standards-based education system?

Complete one or both of the activities in the Understanding Components of a Standards-based Education System activity directions.

Related Content

For more information about the role and purpose of standards, visit Develop a shared understanding of a standards-based education system.

Back to Standards-based Education.