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
Math	Number Sense	Measurement	Geometry	Algebra	Data Analysis
Science	Earth Science	Physical Science	Life Science
Social Studies	Civics	U.S. History	World History
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
Instructional Resources
Instructional Strategies
Performance Indicators
Performance descriptors
Rubrics / scoring guides
Sample student work
Commentary on student work
Lesson Plans
Specifies standards addressed
Specifies prior knowledge needed
Integrates two or more standards
Indicates necessary materials
Includes classroom assessments
Indicates length of time needed
Includes sample student work and rubrics
Provides instructional guidance
Includes instructional strategies for diverse learners
Updated 10/2002

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	3, 5, 8, 11	3, 5, 8, 11	4, 7, 11	4, 7, 11
Alignment report available
State indicates standards tested
State indicates number of items per standard
Test or sample items released
Released items indicate standard tested
State provides grade-specific performance level descriptors
State provides rubrics
State releases scored student work
Released student work includes scorer commentary
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
State funds academic intervention for struggling students
Promotion from grade to grade in elementary or middle school and/or graduation from high school is based, in part, on state test results
Students can earn awards for meeting higher standards
Updated 10/2002