Pennsylvania Academic Standards

The state of Pennsylvania has identified these standards to be used as a basis for instruction throughout the state.

If you are feeling overwhelmed think about how we, the teachers, are feeling and how your child feels. All this in about five hours a day.

Check out the PDE website for info. on No Child Left Behind No Child Left Behind in Pennsylvania

1.1 Learning to Read Independently

Purpose of reading
Word recognition skills
Vocabulary Development
Comprehension and Interpretation
Fluency

1.2 Reading Critically in all Content Areas

Detail
Inferences
Fact from Opinion
Comparison
Analysis and Evaluation

1.3 Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Literary Elements
Poetry
Drama

1.7 Characteristics and Functions of the English Language

Word origins
Variations
Application

1.4 Types of Writing

Narrative
Informational
Persuasive

1.5 Quality of Writing

Focus
Content
Organization
Style
Revise writing
Conventions

2.1 Numbers, Number Systems, & Number Relationships

Types of numbers (e.g. whole, prime, irrational, complex)
Equivalent forms

2.2 Computation and Estimation

Basic functions (+, -, x)
Reasonableness of answers
Calculators

2.3 Measurement and Estimation

Types of measurement (length, time, etc)
Units and tools of measurement
Computing and comparing measurements

2.4 Mathematical Reasoning and Connections

Using inductive reasoning

2.5 Mathematical Problem Solving & Communication

Problem solving strategies
Representing problems in various ways
Interpreting results

2.6 Statistics & Data Analysis

Collecting & reporting data (e.g. charts, graphs)
Analyzing data

2.7 Probability & Predictions

Validity of data
Calculating probability to make predictions

2.8 Algebra & Functions

Patterns and functions

2.9 Geometry

Shapes and their properties
Using geometric principles to solve problems

3.1 Unifying Themes

Systems
Models
Patterns
Scale
Change

3.2 Inquiry & Design

Nature of scientific Knowledge
Process Knowledge
Scientific Method
Problem solving in technology

3.3 Biological Sciences

Living Forms
Structure & Function
Inheritance

3.4 Physical Science

Matter
Energy
Forces of Motion
Astronomy

3.5 Earth Sciences

Landforms
Resources

5.1 Principles & Documents of Government

Purpose of Government
Rule of law
Principles & Ideals that shape government (PA & USA)
Rights created by PA & USA Constitutions
Use, display & respect for the US Flag
Individual Rights

5.2 Rights & Responsibilities of Citizenship

Civic rights, responsibilities, & duties
Political leadership
Ways citizens influence decisions & actions of government
Consequences of violating rules and laws
Competent & responsible citizen

5.3 How Government Works

Structure, organization and operation of government
Branches of government
How a bill becomes a law
Services performed by governments
Role of leaders in government
Elements of the election process

7.1 Basic Geography Literacy

Geographic Tools
Location of places & regions

7.2 Physical Characteristics of Places & Regions

Physical systems & properties

7.3 Human Characteristics of Places & Regions

Culture
Settlement

7.4 Interactions Between People & Places

Impact of physical systems on people
Impact of people on physical systems

8.3 United States History

Primary documents, artifacts & historic sites
Continuity & change influence history

10.1 Concepts of Health

Stages of growth & development
Interaction of body systems
Nutrition
Alcohol, tobacco, and chemical substances
Health problems and disease prevention

10.2 Healthful Living

Health practices
Decision making skills
Health and the environment

10.3 Safety & Injury Prevention

Safe/Unsafe practices
Emergency responses
Strategies to avoid/manage conflict
Safe practices in physical activity