Principles That Reflect Appropriate Use of Standards

Reigeluth (1997) says that educators should promote the use of standards according to the following principles of a learning-focused (customized, learner-centered, results-oriented) approach to education:

• Various levels of attainment. There should be various levels of student achievement in each area of competence.

• No timetables for achieving the standards. All students are not capable of attaining the same level of achievement at the same time.

• Standards in all areas. Standards should be available not only in academics but in all areas of learning and human development--in civic as well as workplace preparation.

• Learning-focused instructional processes. Instructional practices should allow students to work on a standard until it is achieved. Students also could be working on different standards at the same time.

• Performance-based measures. The standards should be specific enough that performance-based assessment can determine if the student has met the standard.

• Certification of standards. This form of certification would be more descriptive than a high school diploma in presenting what the student has mastered.

• Positive incentives for meeting standards. Students are more likely to meet standards if they are given positive incentives.

• Limitations of standards. Attainment of standards alone cannot capture the other skills and abilities a student has to offer.

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