Putting Learning Standards to Work for District Students (continued)

We will support teachers, principals and other school staff in the vital process of aligning instruction to the new standards. We also will reach out to parents and other community stakeholders. Major steps include:

• Providing professional development for teachers, principals and school leaders so they will be familiar with the new standards, textbooks and tests and can help students meet the new standards. Standards-based workshops were provided during the summer and will continue throughout the 2005-06 school year.
• Providing professional development for teachers, principals and school leaders so we all work together to support students' learning. We have developed eight-page parent guides to the standards for each grade level (in English and five other languages), which are being distributed widely. We also plan an extensive information campaign so that all parents and family members are familiar with the new standards, textbooks and tests - and know how they can help at home to support their children's learning.

A Smart Investment in the District

We have budgeted about $21.5 million for the work described above. This includes costs for developing the standards and curriculum frameworks; buying new textbooks in reading, math and science; developing and administering new tests; connecting our teacher training programs to the new standards; and informing parents and the community about these efforts. This spending represents a wise investment that will yield multiple benefits for all students.

A Richer Classroom Experience for All Students

Standards will ensure that we have the same high learning expectations in each subject and each grade for all students, no matter which school they attend. With the curriculum frameworks, we also will see that teachers progress consistently through the curriculum in classrooms throughout the system. Although the overall learning expectations will be the same, teachers still will have a great deal of freedom to teach creatively and to meet their students' individual learning needs.

Opportunity for Special Education Students and English Language Learners

All students must meet the standards, because all students deserve an equal opportunity to learn. Students in special education programs or English Language Learners will be able to demonstrate achievement in ways that meet their individual needs. Students with disabilities must be provided with the appropriate level of accommodations and, where appropriate, with alternate assessments. Students in special education programs will meet standards in ways consistent with their Individualized Education Plans and NCLB.

For more information

For the entire community, complete copies of the standards, curriculum guides and parent guides are posted on the DCPS Web site, www.k12.dc.us. For more information about raising standards for all DC students, please contact the DCPS Office of Academic Services, 202-442-5599.

September, 2005