What are standards?

At the core of every curricular unit and classroom lesson are standards.  Standards are not a “curriculum” but rather established learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Standards serve as the framework to build curriculum and help teachers ensure their students have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful, while also helping parents understand what is expected of their child. 

Teachers base all learning on current standards and assess student progress on these standards.  The South Harrison Township Elementary School District currently embeds three major types of standards within its teaching and learning.

•  New Jersey Student Learning Standards  
   

In addition to the curricular standards noted above, a framework for 21st century learning is used to guide curriculum and instruction at South Harrison. P21's Framework for 21st Century Learning was developed with input from teachers, education experts, and business leaders to define and illustrate the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in work, life and citizenship, as well as the support systems necessary for 21st century learning outcomes. It has been used by thousands of educators and hundreds of schools in the U.S. and abroad to put 21st century skills at the center of learning. 

For more information about the  Framework for 21st Century Learning please visit:  http://www.p21.org/our-work/p21-framework.