Skip To Main Content

State Standards

 

Az Department of Education logo. AZ flag with star and flame in front of.

 

State Standards

Welcome, parents and guardians! We’re here to support you in understanding Arizona’s state standards and how our district is helping your child succeed. Here, you’ll find information on key tools we use—like proficiency scales, pacing guides, and our approach to standards-referenced grading—that allow us to provide clear, meaningful progress insights.

 

Arizona State Standards

The Arizona state standards define the learning goals for each grade and subject. They outline what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level, guiding our curriculum and instruction. Visit the Arizona Department of Education’s website for details on each standard, or connect with your child’s teacher for additional support in navigating these standards.

Proficiency Scales and Pacing Guides

Our teachers use proficiency scales to clarify and measure students’ mastery of each standard. These scales break down skills into steps, showing the progression from developing knowledge to full mastery. Pacing guides complement these scales by structuring the curriculum throughout the year, ensuring steady progress and time to develop a deep understanding in each area. Together, these tools make learning goals transparent and achievable for all students.

Standards-Referenced Grading (SRG) vs. Traditional Grading

In our district, we use standards-referenced grading (SRG) to provide accurate feedback on student learning. Here’s how SRG differs from traditional grading:

  • Traditional Grading combines multiple factors, such as homework completion, participation, and test scores, into a single grade.
  • Standards-Referenced Grading focuses solely on students’ proficiency in each specific standard. This approach prioritizes clear feedback on skill mastery and knowledge.

Advantages of Standards-Referenced Grading

  1. Clearer Understanding: SRG provides a detailed view of what your child knows and where they need more practice by showing their progress on individual standards.
  2. Focused Support: SRG allows teachers to target support more precisely, helping students in areas where they need the most growth.
  3. Growth Emphasis: SRG encourages a growth mindset, motivating students to improve their skills over time rather than just earning points.

 

We’re dedicated to supporting your child’s success, and we’re here to answer any questions. For more information about Arizona state standards, proficiency scales, or standards-referenced grading, please contact your child’s teacher or our district office. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s learning journey!