UNDERSTANDING EDUCATION REFORM
November, 1996

Essential Learning Requirements

     A dynamic discussion about education is taking place between educators, parents, business, and community people in this state. Growing numbers of citizens who care about education are now working together to create what will now be the drivers of reform --- higher education standards.

     These new standards are called Essential Academic Learning Requirements. They represent the specific academic skills and knowledge students will be required to meet in the classrooms across Washington State.

     Following are the Essential Academic Learning Requirements:

Reading:

1. The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read. To meet this standard, the student will:

• use word recognition and word meaning skills and strategies such as phonics, context clues, picture clues, and word origins; roots, prefixes, and suffixes of words
• build vocabulary through reading
• read fluently, adjusting reading for purpose and material
• understand elements of literature such as story elements, and use of humor, exaggeration, and figures of speech
• use features of non-fiction text and computer software such as titles, headings, pictures, maps, and charts to find and understand specific information

2. The student understands the meaning of what is read. Student will:

• comprehend important ideas and details
• expand comprehension by analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing information and ideas
• think critically about the authors' use of language, style, purpose, and perspective

3. The student reads different material for a variety of purposes. Student will:

• read to learn new information such as reading in science, mathematics, technical documents, and for personal need
• locate and use information to perform tasks such as using schedules, following directions, filling out job applications, and solving problems
• read for literacy experience in a variety of form such as novels, short stories, poems, plays, and essays to understand self and others.

4. The student sets goals and evaluates progress to improve reading. Student will:

• assess own strengths and need for improvement as a reader
• seek and use feedback to improve reading; offer suggestions and comments to others, when appropriate
• develop interests and share reading experiences

Writing:

1. The student writes clearly and effectively. Student will:

• develop a topic or theme; organize thoughts around a clear beginning, middle, and end; use transitional sentences and phrases to connect related ideas; write coherently and compellingly
• use voice, word choice, and sentence fluency for appropriate style know and apply correct spelling, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and capitalization

2. The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes. Student will:

• write in a variety of forms including narratives, journals, poems, essays, stories, and technical writing
• identify, analyze, and write for the chosen audience
• write for a variety of purposes such as telling stories, presenting analytical responses to literature, conveying technical information, completing a team project, explaining concepts and procedures, and persuading.

3. The student understands and uses the steps of the writing process. Student will:

• Prewrite --- generate topics and develop ideas
• Draft --- elaborate on a topic and supporting ideas
• Revise --- consider changes in content, organization, or structure to better communicate ideas
• Edit --- correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage
• Publish --- use a variety of tools such as pen, pencil, and technology to share completed writing with chosen audience

4. The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of written work. Student will:

• assess own strengths and needs as a writer, and set goals for improvement
• seek and use feedback to improve writing; offer suggestions and comments to others, when appropriate
• explore options for career opportunities

Communication:

1. The student uses listening and observation skills to gain understanding. Student will:

• be able to focus attention
• listen and observe to gain and interpret information
• ask questions to clarify content and meaning; demonstrate the ability to paraphrase accurately and precisely
• identify and evaluate the techniques and influence of mass media messages

2. The student communicates ideas clearly and effectively. Student will:

• communicate clearly to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes
• develop a topic or theme; organize thoughts around a clear beginning, middle, and end; use transitional sentences and phrases to connect related ideas; speak coherently and compellingly
• adjust speaking strategies for a variety of audiences and purposes by varying tone, pitch, pace of speech to create effect and aid communication
• use language that is grammatically correct, precise, engaging, and well suited to topic, audience, and purpose
• use appropriate action, sound, and image to support presentations

3. The student uses communication strategies and skills to work effectively with others. Student will:

• use language to interact effectively and responsibly with others
• apply content knowledge and skills to perform tasks as a member of a group
• participate in discussions to reach agreement or seek solutions

4. The student analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of communication. Student will:

• assess own communication strengths and needs, and set goals for improvement
• seek and use feedback to improve communication, offer suggestions and comments to others, when appropriate
• explore options for career opportunities

Mathematics:

1. The student understands the basic concepts and procedures of mathematics, how to use them, and why they work. Student will understand and apply:

• number sense --- basic arithmetic, number systems, estimation, and reasonableness of results
• measurement --- systems of measurement, dimensions, approximation, and tools
• spatial sense --- properties of geometric relationships and shapes, including 3-dimensional solids
• probability and statistics --- data display and interpretation, calculations of uncertainty and probability
• functions and relationships --- patterns, algebraic equations, and operations to solve equations

2. The student uses mathematics to define and solve problems. Student will:

• investigate situations by searching for patterns and exploring a variety of approaches
• formulate questions and define the problem
• construct solutions by choosing the necessary information and using the appropriate mathematical tools

3. The student uses mathematical reasoning. Student will:

• interpret information from a variety of sources; use models, known facts, patterns, and relationships to validate thinking
• predict results and make conjectures based on analysis of problem situations
• draw conclusions, support mathematical arguments, justify results, and check for reasonableness of solutions

4. The student effectively communicates mathematical ideas in both everyday and mathematical language. Student will:

• read, listen, and observe to access and extract mathematical information
• organize and interpret mathematical information
• share, explain, and defend mathematical ideas --- concepts and procedures --- using terms, language, charts, and graphs that can be clearly understood by a variety of audiences

5. The student understands how mathematical ideas connect to other subject areas, real-life situations, and career goals. Student will:

• recognize relationships among mathematical ideas and topics
• identify and apply mathematical thinking and notation in other subjects such as the sciences, art, music, social studies, etc.
• understand the connections between mathematics and problem solving skills used every day at work and at home

Science:

1. The student understands and uses scientific concepts and principles. Student will:

• distinguish substances, materials, and objects based on their physical chemical properties
• use characteristics to identify, describe, and categorize living things
• measure physical and chemical properties of substances, materials, and objects
• understand systems and the interactions among their components
• understand that interactions within and among systems cause changes in matter and energy
• construct and use models to represent scientific phenomena

2. The student conducts scientific investigations. Student will:

• plan and implement scientific investigations
• think logically, analytically, and creatively
• practice the principles of scientific inquiry (e.g., record and report data accurately)
• understand the relationship between evidence and scientific explanation

3. The student uses effective communication skills and tools to build and demonstrate understanding of science. Student will:

• use listening, observing, and reading skills to obtain scientific information
• use writing and speaking skills to organize and express supporting evidence for science explanations
• use effective communication strategies and tools to collect, organize, and present science information

4. The student understands how science knowledge and skills are connected to other subject areas and real-life situations. Student will:

• understand the connections between science and mathematics
• understand the connections between science and technology
• understand the connections between science and history
• understand the connections between science and society
• investigate the need for scientific knowledge and skill in his/her careers of interest

5. The student applies science and knowledge and skills to solve problems or meet challenges. Student will:

• identify problems and challenges that can be resolved using science/technology
• research, design, and test a variety of ways to address problems and/or challenges
• evaluate solutions and consequences
• implement proposed solutions and communicate the approach used

Social Studies --- History:

1. The student understands and examines major ideas, eras, themes, developments, turning points, chronology, and the cause-and-effect relationships among them in Washington state, U.S., and world history. Student will:

• understand that historical events occur in time and place, are sequenced chronologically, and impact future events
• identify and explain turning points and major ideas in key areas of U.S. and world history
• examine historical contributions of various individuals and cultures
• understand and develop historical perspective: what happened in the past and how it impacts the present and future

2. The student understands that historical accounts and artifacts are subject to analysis and interpretation from multiple perspectives. Student will:

• analyze and evaluate different interpretations of major events in local, U.S., and world history
• use information and resources (e.g., historical documents, eyewitness accounts, photos, art, letters, artifacts) to investigate and understand historic occurrences
• understand how various factors (e.g., geographic, cultural) influence historical perspectives

3. The student understands the impact of technology, ideas, and creativity on history and social change. Student will:

• describe how technological developments have changed the way people live and work
• understand and explain the history of an idea that has impacted society (e.g., free speech, rule of law, separation of church and state)
• understand how individual creativity underlies the origin of technological developments and ideas that impact society

Social Studies --- Geography:

1. The student uses maps, charts, and other geographic tools to understand spatial information about people, places, and environments on the Earth's surface. Student will:

• recognize that the Earth's surfaces are organized in spatial patterns and understand the processes that create these patterns
• use and construct maps, charts, and other resources to gather and interpret geographic information
• understand how physical processes and human activities can impact one another

2. The student understands the complex physical and human characteristics of places and regions. Student will:

• describe the natural and human characteristics of places and explain the causes of their characteristics
• explain how culture and location influence people's perspectives of places, regions, and other people
• identify and describe economic, cultural, and physical characteristics of the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Rim, and other regions of the world

3. The student observes and analyzes the interaction between people and their environment. Student will:

• identify and examine a variety of perspectives regarding the interaction between people and their environment
• analyze the impact of people's activities on the environment in different parts of the world
• analyze how changes in the physical environment can affect people

4. The student identifies, compares, and assesses the impact of culture on individuals, groups and society. Student will:

• describe how cultural characteristics contribute to personal identity
• understand how cultural influences can affect family, social, and work interactions
• understand the contributions of different cultures on society

Social Studies --- Civics:

1. The student understands and applies the core values and principles of American democracy as set forth in founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Student will:

• understand and interpret the major ideas of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other founding documents
• examine key ideals of American democracy such as liberty, justice, and rule of law
• examine representative government and describe how citizens participate in the electoral process

2. The student analyzes the purposes and organizations of governments and laws. Student will:

• understand and explain the separation of powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches at, and among, the local, state, and federal government levels
• understand and distinguish among making, interpreting, and enforcing laws
• understand and evaluate the effect of law on different groups in society
• compare and contrast democracies and other forms of government

3. The student understands the purposes and organization of international relationships and how American foreign policy is made. Student will:

• understand how the world is organized politically and how nations interact with each other
• recognize and appraise the roles played by the United States, other nations, and world organizations in the development of foreign policy

4. The student understands the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the principles of democratic civic involvement. Student will:

• discuss and evaluate the role of civic and personal responsibility in problem solving and decision making at the local, state, national, and international level
• study, evaluate, and exercise specific rights of citizenship related to school, state, national and international issues (e.g., voting, committee and council work, persuasive letter writing)
• study and understand how citizen participation influences public policy
• identify skills and strategies that promote effective participation in school/classroom/community activities

Social Studies --- Economics:

1. The student understands basic economics and analyzes the effect of economic systems and the changing workplace on his/her life now and in the future. Student will:

• comprehend key economic concepts and understand how people's individual economic choices involve costs and consequences
• observe economic characteristics of places and factors necessary for a competitive business market
• compare and evaluate requirements and economic benefits of various careers
• examine how government policies influence the economy
• compare and contrast different economic systems worldwide

Arts

1. The student acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to create, to perform, and to respond effectively to the arts. Student will:

• understand and apply arts concepts and vocabulary to communicate ideas
• organize arts elements (e.g., color, design, rhythm) into artistic composition
• use and develop arts skills and techniques to solve problems and express ideas
• use skills of craftsmanship to produce quality work
• create, present, and evaluate artworks using visual arts, music, drama, and dance

2. The student applies the creative process with arts knowledge and skills to reason and solve problems. Student will:

• use the senses (e.g., sight, sound, touch) to gather and process information
• generate and analyze solutions to problems using creativity and imagination
• use arts criteria to consider the effectiveness of personal work and that of others

3. The student uses at least one of the art forms (visual arts, music, drama, and/or dance) to communicate ideas and feelings. Student will:

• use image, sound, action and movement through the arts to express individual ideas for a specific purpose
• reflect and respond critically to the use of the arts in all forms of communication
• use combinations of art forms to communicate in multi-media formats (e.g., video, the internet)

4. The student understands how the arts connect to other subject areas, life, and work. Student will:

• use arts skills and knowledge in other subject areas
• apply ideas and skills developed in the arts to daily life
• demonstrate an ability to use artistic knowledge in personal and community decision making
• recognize the influence of the arts in shaping and reflecting cultures and history
• incorporate arts knowledge and skills into the workplace

Health & Fitness:

1. The student acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain an active life: movement, physical fitness, and nutrition. Student will:

• develop fundamental physical skills and progress to complex movement activities as physically able
• incorporate rules and safety procedures into physical activities
• understand the concepts of physical fitness and nutrition and regularly participate in fitness activities as physically able
• understand food nutrients and how they affect physical performance and the body
• develop and monitor progress on personal fitness and nutrition goals based on individual needs and physical abilities
• understand the benefits of physical movement, fitness, and nutrition in relation to work and leisure goals.

2. The student acquires the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a healthy life: recognizing patterns of growth and development, reducing health risks, and living safely. Student will:

• develop an understanding of how various parts, organs, and systems of the human body work together, and how heredity and environmental factors may influence growth and development
• understand changes that accompany maturity and the transition from childhood to adulthood
• understand the transmission and control of communicable and non-communicable disease
• anticipate risky situations and demonstrate skills to promote safety and to assist in emergency situations at school, at home, on or near roads, and in the community
• evaluate strategies and develop a plan to manage stress constructively
• understand genetic and environmental factors, and develop and monitor health goals based on individual needs
• understand the benefits of sound health practices in relation to work and leisure goals

3. The student analyzes and evaluates the impact of real-life influences on health. Student will:

• understand how environmental factors affect one's health
• use social skills to protect his or her health and safety in a variety of situations
• gather and analyze health information to make informed choices about health services and products
• understand how emotions can influence decision making, and develop strategies to avoid or minimize risky situations and make safe and healthy choices.

4. The student effectively analyzes health and safety information to develop health and fitness plans based on life goals. Student will:

• use information to solve health and safety problems
• develop a fitness plan and a monitoring system for charting progress that is consistent with life goals for leisure and work