Standards and Learning

The new Academic Content Standards, which are set expectations for teaching and learning, have replaced the previous models of curriculum. Every school in the state of Ohio now uses the same set of standards, benchmarks and indicators at each grade level.

What systems use to teach the Academic Standards is up to each district based on teacher and administrator choice. For example, Little Miami uses Everyday Mathematics to ensure that students in grades K through 6 learn the respective math Standards.

The Standards are statements of knowledge and skills that every child is expected to learn and use in solving everyday problems and to become a contributing citizen. Additionally, the Standards are used by the state to create assessments to determine achievement. All the grade levels use the Standards to assist in matching teaching and learning with the state testing so that students are tested on the same knowledge and skills they have been taught.

Parents are encouraged to visit Ohio Academic Standards
to find the Standards Guide for families which tells what your child will be expected to learn in school this year in reading, writing, math, social studies and science. The Grade Level Indicators listed are specific statements of the knowledge and skills that a student must demonstrate. The Indicators serve as checkpoints that monitor progress towards the learning that your child will be measured on as they participate in the statewide tests. Here's where you can view the Statewide Tests Implementation Schedule . As you can see the proficiency tests are being phased out and achievement tests are being phased in over the next several years.

Please take a few minutes to review your child's grade-level indicator so you will be aware of the grade-level expectations.

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How Can I Help My Children Meet the Standards?

When you know what your children should be learning at each grade level, you can ask questions and take action if your children need help. First and foremost, talk with your child's teacher and ask questions, such as:

• How is my child progressing on the standards for his or her grade?
• What is your plan to help my child meet these standards?
• What extra help can the school provide?
• When should I expect to see results?
• What can we do at home to help?
• Where can I learn more about how to work with my child to meet the standards?
• Are there other resources in my community that could help?

If you need more help for your child, you should request a meeting with the teacher and principal. At that meeting, discuss what standards your child has not met and whether the current plan is appropriate to get your child the help he or she needs. Ask questions such as:

• How do you know this plan is making a positive difference for my child and others?
• Are there other students in the same situation as my child? What plan is in place for them?
• How are school funds being used to help my child and other children in the same situation?
• How can I get involved in determining how this funding is used?

Finally, the federal No Child Left Behind Act requires school districts to provide assistance for students who are not learning at their grade level. Schools not making adequate yearly progress-seen in yearly improved achievement by every classification of student - may be required to provide options for school choice, tutoring and other services. Therefore, you might ask:

• Is our school making adequate yearly progress?
• If not, how many years has adequate yearly progress not been made?
• Please explain all the options for help available for my child.

*The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They may: 1. Inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. 2. Request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. 3. Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 4. File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

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