Introduction
The Utah State Board of Education in January of 1984 established policy requiring the identification of specific core curriculum standards to be completed by all K-12 students as requisite for graduation from Utah’s secondary schools. The Elementary and Secondary School Core Curriculum is defined in R277-700.
Utah’s core standards are aligned to scientifically-based research and national content standards. They establish high quality instruction through common statewide comprehensive expectations for all students. The standards with subsequent objectives and indicators define essential knowledge, concepts, and skills to be mastered at each grade level or within a critical content area. The standards provide a foundation for ensuing learning within the classroom.
The Utah Core Curricula is taught with respect to difference in learning styles, rates and individual capabilities without losing sight of established standards. Locally selected textbooks are used as tools in implementing the core curricula. Teachers and administrators utilize the core curricula to provide direction in determining professional development needs.
The Utah Core Curricula provides guidance in organizing the Utah system for assessing students’ learning and instructional effectiveness. The core curricula further provides a vehicle by which students, teachers, administrators, community leaders, and parents join as partners to build high quality instruction for all.