"The general goal of standards-based instruction is to ensure that students are acquiring the knowledge and skills that are believed to be essential for success in a K-12 education, post-secondary education, careers and adult life. If students do not meet the expected academic standards, they should receive additional instruction, time and academic support to help them achieve proficiency or meet the learning expectations that are described in the standards.

Being standards-based means that every teacher, in every classroom, every day, through this continuous teaching/ learning cycle, ensures students learn all standards and associated concepts and skills to mastery. In every district, this takes focus and fidelity to a relentless cycle of teaching and learning along with hard work, persistence, and strategic use of time and resources." —Dr. Amy Fratz