Standards Questions
Are the standards on the Standards Aligned System the most recent version?
Yes, the Pennsylvania Academic Standards found on the portal are the most recently revised version of the Standards. As revisions are made, we will update the portal with the most recent information.
Return to Top of Page
What is a School-Wide Area of Focus?
A School-Wide Area of Focus contains Standards that address a specific focus for all grade levels, PreK - 12. Currently you can search for Standards in English Language Proficiency.
Return to Top of Page
Are there Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades?
There are currently Standards for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades in the subject areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking, & Listening and Mathematics.
Return to Top of Page
I've noticed that the coding for the standards tends to be in a numerical/alphabetical sequence. Why are some standards missing?
In many cases, a Standard is not addressed at certain grade levels. In the PDF versions of the standards documents, you will occasionally notice that some standards are marked as "Intentionally Blank". When we coded the standards, we included the "Intentionally Blank" standards in our numbering/lettering. We do not have these standards appear when you perform a View Standards or Browse Standards search, but you will see them appear in the Vertical Viewer; click here for an example.
Return to Top of Page
Where can I find the Alternate Learning Standards?
The Alternate Content Standards provide the targets for instruction and student learning essential for success in the environments in and out of school that students with severe disabilities are likely to encounter. They describe what students with the most significant cognitive disabilities should know and be able to do in literacy and mathematics at four grade spans (third/fourth, fifth/sixth, seventh/eighth and eleventh). They are available on the Download PDFs - Download Standards tab within Standards.
Alternate Assessment Anchors clarify the standards assessed on the PASA and can be used by educators to help prepare their students for the PASA. The Alternate Assessment Anchors do not replace the Alternate Content Standards. They are available on the Download PDFs - Download PSSA Anchors tab within Standards.
Return to Top of Page
What are Common Core Standards?
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA), with participation of the overwhelming majority of states, set a goal to create standards that are “research and evidence-based, aligned with college and work expectations, include rigorous content and skills and are internationally benchmarked.”
As Pennsylvania follows the development of the K-12 Common Core Standards and determines the alignment of Common Core Standards to PA Standards, this site will provide educators with information and updates on the progress of that work on the Common Core tab within Standards.
Return to Top of Page