What are Standards?
Content standards are statements of what all Baltimore City Public
School students should know and be able to do. The writers
referred to recent drafts of Maryland State Department of Education Content Standards, the Maryland Learning Outcomes, the Maryland High School Core Learning Goals, national standards documents, standards from other school districts, and educational research in preparing the standards for Baltimore City.
Why should we have Standards?
These standards set high expectations for all students – which should help motivate each student to achieve his or her personal best. Having standards also ensures that there are common expectations for all Baltimore City students.
How can I help my child achieve the Standards?
Being involved in your child’s education is one of the best ways to help him or her succeed. Expect the best of your child; let your child know that you believe he or she can succeed. Talk to your child’s teacher to find out what is being worked on in class and what you can do at home to support your child’s learning.
How will achievement be measured?
In developing the standards, the focus is on results: defining what students should learn and know by the end of a grade level. The system is now finding the best ways to measure student achievement of the standards. Ultimately, achievement will be measured in many ways: through standardized tests, portfolios, student presentations, and authentic assessments designed specifically to measure particular skills.
