Policy & Practice
Based on research and best practice, these resources help state education agencies (SEAs) review and implement new and revised content standards.
Standards Implementation Framework
The Framework provides a general model for implementing new or revised content standards. The Framework is a compilation of ideas and lessons learned from a variety of sources, most recently the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) implementation plans. The Framework is labeled as version 1.0, recognizing that it may evolve and be updated based on user feedback. Download a PDF version of the framework.
The Framework addresses the following categories of work associated with implementation:
- Alignment Transition: From old to new standards
- Curriculum
- Assessment
- Professional Development
- Leveraging Cross‐Content Connections
- Communication
Effective implementation of new or revised content standards occurs in a variety of stages. The stages addressed in the Framework are:
- Adoption
- Initial Implementation
- Scale Up
- Full Implementation
- Maintenance/Refinement
The Framework provides guidance for each of the following roles:
- State
- District
- School/Administrator
- Teacher
Important notes about the Framework
- Effective standards implementation requires that all categories of work be conducted in a synchronized manner. For this reason, the Framework addresses each category of work individually, but with attention to how it intersects or overlaps with other categories.
- The Framework assumes a general ordering and timing of activities. Precise timing is not specified because timing will vary by state. In all cases, however, a gradual rollout is anticipated.
- Effective standards implementation requires system‐wide commitment. The Framework assumes that all work is orchestrated at the state level, with involvement and response from the districts, schools, and teachers.
- The Framework addresses what can be realistically asked of districts, schools, and teachers each year, but acknowledges the necessity to proceed in a timely manner with administration of assessments that measure the new standards. The challenge is to ensure that all teachers are provided the time and professional resources needed to teach the new standards and that all students in all schools have the opportunity to learn the content that will be tested.