Make Learning the Goal

It's so simple.

It's so freakin' complex.

It's so important.

A standards-based classroom is organized around 4 fundamental questions. 

• Where do we want our learners to go?
• How do we know where they are along the way?
• How do we help them move towards or beyond the destination?
• How do we communicate where they are? 

​That's it. Simple backwards design that shifts the focus from teaching to learning.

Shifting our focus from teaching to learning is not, however, as simple as believing in the fundamental principles. The changes that we must make in our curriculum, instruction, assessment, and communication are significant and complex. They involve paradigm shifts, new systems and structures, new habits, and lots of risk-taking--for teachers, for school leaders, for students, for families, and for community members. 

Implementation is not easy, but it's worth it.

We believe that everyone deserve a high-quality, standards-based education. Standards-based learning (SBL) is clear and hard to argue with, but the implementation can be complex and challenging. By staying true to the fundamental principles of learning, we can navigate these complexities and move towards a more equitable, rigorous, and effective education for all of our learners.