Priority standards, also commonly referred to as power standards, represent the essential learnings a student must master to advance to the next grade level. A focus on priority standards means that while every standard in a grade level is addressed, more time and emphasis can be placed on those standards that fit the criteria of priority standards, and learners experience more instruction and practice on those concepts and skills.
Objective criteria for selecting priority standards ensure selections are well-reasoned and are free from the influence of anecdotal experience or personal bias. Edmentum’s priority standards at each grade level are informed by the work of Ainsworth’s Priority Standards and Marzano’s Critical Concepts.