There are too many standards, and too many redundancies built into grade-level standards. Is literacy only an ELA skill-set? Is inquiry only a science skill-set? Some skill-sets are essential and important or "transferable" across subject areas. We call these "competencies." Let's define essential competencies for K-12 education, grounded in research on future-readiness.
The research on learning indicates that learning, memory, and expertise require the development of conceptual understandings–or big ideas–that help us organize and assimilate new information. Key concepts should be elevated in our learning outcomes, and just like competencies, treated separately from factual knowledge. Next Generation Science Standards, for example, is on the right track in creating three domains of learning outcomes: Cross-cutting Concepts, Science and Engineering Practices, and Core Disciplinary Knowledge.
Developmental learning progressions should replace grade-based standards. Learning progressions provide clarity and consistency in how we understand and assess the developmental stages of learning for a particular skill-set, preK through professional. These progressions should be student and teacher friendly, they should describe observable indicators that are useful for learning and assessment, and each new level should build on the previous to ensure coherence.
One of the biggest critiques of our current standards? They prioritize memorization of facts–too many, and of varying importance. Much of it we forget. Most of it, we can now find through a simple Google Search. Deep learning will only be possible when we dial back the required volume of content to be "covered," focus on teaching learners how to learn, and distilling the topics that are most essential for student success.
We did the research. All of the dominant academic frameworks currently used in K-12 education have one thing in common: They were created by 75% white male academics. What if our learning outcomes were developed through an inclusive process that invited diverse perspectives to the table? And what if our final product showcased the incredible diversity among our communities?
