Policy 6011 - Academic Standards

Academic Standards

The Board of Education recognizes that districtwide content and performance standards are necessary to clarify for students, parents/guardians and staffs what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level and in each area of study. The Board shall adopt high standards in student achievement which meet or exceed the national Common Core standards that challenge all students to reach their full potential. These standards shall reflect the knowledge and skills needed for students to be adequately prepared for post secondary education, employment and responsible citizenship.

District standards shall be developed through a process that involves staff, students, parents/guardians and community members. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure the alignment of the standard with the district’s vision and goals and ensure the proper articulation of the standards between grade levels, graduation requirements and college entrance requirements. The Superintendent or designee also shall ensure that the standards are easily understandable and measurable.

District standards for English language arts, English language development, mathematics, science, health education, history-social science, physical education, visual and performing arts, world languages, and career technical education shall meet or exceed statewide model content standards adopted by the State Board of Education as applicable.

District curriculum, instruction, student assessments, and evaluations of the instructional program shall be aligned with the district standards. In accordance with Education Code 44662, standards of expected student achievement also shall be used in evaluating teacher performance.

Teachers and school administrators shall receive professional development to inform them of changes in the standards and to build their capacity to implement effective standards-based instructional methodologies.

The Superintendent or designee shall annually communicate the applicable standards to students and their parents/guardians to inform them of the expectations for students learning at their grade level.

Staff shall continually assess students’ progress toward meeting the standards, report each student’s progress to the student and his /her parent/guardian and offer remedial assistance in accordance with Board Policy and Rule.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that district standards are regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. District standards shall be reviewed whenever applicable statewide standards are revised.