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State-by-State Analysis: District of Columbia

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Elementary

Middle

High School

Elementary

Middle

High School

Standards
The table below indicates the content the AFT looks for when reviewing English, math, science, and social studies standards. Standards that are clear and specific at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are shaded as indicated in the legend above. Standards that do not meet our criteria remain clear or "empty." Refer to the Content Standards link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating standards.

English

Reading Basics

Reading Comprehension

Writing Conventions

Writing Forms

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Math

Number Sense

Measurement

Geometry

Algebra

Data Analysis

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Science

Earth Science

Physical Science

Life Science

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Social Studies

Civics

U.S. History

World History

High School

High School

High School

High School

Updated 8/2004 

Curriculum & Instruction
The table below identifies the components of a standards-based curriculum. If the components are present the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the components are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Curriculum & Instruction link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating standards-based curriculum materials.

 

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Learning Continuum

None

None

None

None

Instructional Resources

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Instructional Strategies

None

None

None

None

Performance Indicators

Performance descriptors

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Rubrics / scoring guides

None

None

None

None

Sample student work

None

None

None

None

Commentary on student work

None

None

None

None

Lesson Plans

Specifies standards addressed

None

None

None

None

Specifies prior knowledge needed

None

None

None

None

Integrates two or more standards

None

None

None

None

Indicates necessary materials

None

None

None

None

Includes classroom assessments

None

None

None

None

Indicates length of time needed

None

None

None

None

Includes sample student work and rubrics

None

None

None

None

Provides instructional guidance

None

None

None

None

Includes instructional strategies for diverse learners

None

None

None

None

Updated 9/2002 

Assessing Student Performance
The table below indicates the features of an "open" or transparent assessment system that is based on the content standards. If the features are present the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the features are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Assessing Student Performance link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating open and aligned testing systems.

 

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

Grades assessed

2-11

2-11

5, 9-11

8, 10, 11

Alignment report available

None

None

None

None

State indicates standards tested

None

None

None

None

State indicates number of items per standard

None

None

None

None

Test or sample items released

None

None

None

None

Released items indicate standard tested

None

None

None

None

State provides grade-specific performance level descriptors

None

None

None

None

State provides rubrics

None

None

None

None

State releases scored student work

None

None

None

None

Released student work includes scorer commentary

None

None

None

None

Updated 4/2004

Accountability
The table below indicates the elements of a student accountability policy. If the elements are present, the appropriate levels—elementary, middle, and high school—are shaded as indicated in the legend above. If the elements are missing, than the graphic remains clear or "empty." Refer to the Accountability link at the right to read our complete criteria for evaluating student accountability policies.

 

English

Math

Science

Social Studies

State requires academic intervention for struggling students

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

State funds academic intervention for struggling students

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Promotion from grade to grade in elementary or middle school and/or graduation from high school is based, in part, on state test results

Elementary, Middle and High

Elementary, Middle and High

Students can earn awards for meeting higher standards

Updated 4/2002

 

 


Documents Reviewed

Adopted Textbooks by Grade Level (curriculum)

DC Content Standards for Teaching and LearningScience (standards, curriculum)

DC Content Standards for Teaching and Learning—Social Studies (standards)

DC Content Standards for Teaching and LearningMathematics (standards, curriculum)

DC Content Standards for Teaching and LearningReading/Language Arts (standards, curriculum)

District of Columbia Emergency Transitional Education: Board of Trustees (accountability)

Report of the Committee on Finance and Facilities, July 28, 2002 (accountability)

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