This structure provides a model for collegial conversations among teachers. These conversations may take place in a variety of settings, such as a beginning teacher study group, common planning time for instructional teams, and grade level or department meetings. Each of these groups provides a critical structure to build and sustain professional learning communities. Professional learning communities include educators who come together with a common purpose and commitment to best practices. They recognize that standards-based instruction is an essential element for equity and rigor in learning.

4-step Process for Standards-Based Instruction (SBI):

Step 1) Identify a set of standards using the Standards Browser to select standards for a specific domain, grade level or strand. This listing can be streamlined as needed or expanded to include a full set of descriptions.

Step 2) Determine how the identified standards are being taught, including instructional materials.

Step 3) Identify how to assess student learning, with the purpose of adjusting instruction and reporting results. What are the current formal and informal assessments that indicate standards mastery? Use the Student Record Sheet to track progress.

Step 4) Fill in the gaps by adjusting instructional plans to include key testing standards that are not currently being taught.

Teachers may come together to meet and engage in:

• Collegial conversation
• Examination of student work
• Lesson study process to assist in determining effective instructional practices to accommodate student learning

Download a copy of Designing Standards-based Instruction - PDF with a sample table for listing standards.