New reading and mathematics content standards, adopted in 2005 from Massachusetts, as well as modified curricula and assessments, will be implemented in the District in school year 2005-2006.
District of Columbia Standards
District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has adapted the standards of Massachusetts. The DC standards are for grades K-12 are in reading/English language arts and mathematics. Revised science and social studies are being developed and will be posted when completed
Tip: Within each grade level, DC features parent/family guides on the standards in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, and Amharic. They have provided training at varying sites throughout the city to acquaint parents with the standards.
District of Columbia Assessments
There are plans to change the assessments used in DCPS. Currently assessments used in DCPS include the Stanford Achievement Test 9 (SAT-9).
DCPS is in the process of developing alternate assessments for special education and for English language learners.
District of Columbia Curricula
The DC curriculum guides are listed along with the DC standards.
Tip: To access these curriculum guides, click on the grade level desired (under Standards).
The District and its schools want help identifying research-based practices and interventions known to be effective in increasing achievement of students from low-income families as well as students with varying levels of proficiency in English and special education students. Technical assistance is needed to monitor and evaluate the implementation of instructional initiatives, including the effect of professional development provided for such purposes. Technical assistance also is needed to identify strategies to differentiate instruction for student subgroups.