Content standards, curriculum frameworks, core curriculum and other terms are used to articulate academic content standards. Researchers found that the main purpose of the state academic content standards was to provide guidance for local curriculum development, and to improve student and teacher accountability. Many of the state standards include sections that provide educators with explanations, suggestions, models, and examples for using standards in curriculum development, teaching methods, and selection of materials. They also identify process or learning skills, such as problem solving, reasoning, and communication. A critical next step in developing a standards-based system is to develop assessments that reflect the new standards, but most states have just begun aligning standards and assessments.
Several states require local districts to adhere to the state standards and curriculum frameworks.
In many local districts, however, the tradition of local control of education remains strong. In these communities, citizens, educators, and business people are developing local standards, drawing upon national and state standards or standards developed by other school districts as models for their own work. Local districts are integrating their local preferences and characteristics with state and national efforts in order to create standards that are relevant for local teachers, students, and communities. Incorporating career and employability skills in standards. The New York State Education Department has recently released Preliminary Draft Framework for Career Development and Occupational Studies .