What are Power Standards?

Parents frequently ask, "What are power standards and how are they different from other standards"?

Power Standards describe the essential content and skills that students are expected to acquire in each subject and at each grade level. At York Middle School, teachers have collaborated to develop a number of power standards in each content area and grade level. Teachers have derived the power standards from the Maine Learning Results, which include the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

We believe that it's far more important for students to develop a deep understanding of the most critical content rather than a superficial understanding of an extremely broad set of standards. This approach enables teachers to teach for true learning rather than "coverage" of material.

Check out this helpful link to a much more detailed and thorough description of power standards:

Glossary of Ed. Reform: Power Standards

Jen Etter Recognized by the Department of Education

Jen Etter Recognized by the Department of Education

Congratulations to Music Teacher, Jen Etter for the recognition she has received from the Department of Education for the work she has done with the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative.  Last spring, Jen's classroom was highlighted in a video recognizing the exemplary work she is doing with standards-based education.  

Jen has been an integral part of the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI) http://maineartsassessment.pbworks.com since it's inception.  Established in 2011 by the Maine Department of Education, the MAAI has provided professional development opportunities in standards-based student-centered education. Jen is one of 52 arts educators who have participated in summer institutes focusing on assessment, leadership, technology and creativity.

This fall Jen will be sharing her expertise with fellow educators as a presenter at the annual Maine Association of Middle Level Educators (MAMLE) conference.  

The impact of Jen's work at York Middle School extends far beyond the music classroom.  She is a teacher-leader and a champion of the proficiency-based learning model.  A consummate professional, Jen leads by example and always puts the needs of her students first.  York Middle School is fortunate to have Jen as part of our staff!