Finding out what kids are "supposed" to know

[Guest lfields19]

This is probably here somewhere, but I don't see it. I'm looking for something online that just lists out what things are taught in what grades in most public schools. My daughter's only in 1st grade and we're using a Waldorf-based program and not really doing a lot of formal instruction. I know from her brief time in public school that she's reading above level, but the rest I don't really know. I'm not really concerned about it, but I'd like to know, for example, when most schools introduce which types of math, which scientific principles, etc. TIA!

[Perry]

Most states have their own set of standards. Google your state and "education standards" and you can probably find a list.

[JudoMom]

You can download the Core Knowledge Sequence for free.

[Guest lfields19]

Thanks!!

[MamaSheep]

You'd think that it would be that easy, wouldn't you? But each state puts together its own list, and then there are many other organizations out there who have made their own as well. The short answer is it's really up to you, but I agree with you that it's nice to have at least some idea of what's "typical". Your state's department of education probably has a publication listing the state standards, or core curriculum.

 

I found Utah's online here, if you want to use it for reference (it even has helpful links and lesson plans for many of the subjects): http://www.uen.org/core/

 

Also, World Book has put together a list of subjects by grade that can be useful for reference as well:

http://www.worldbook.com/typical_course_of_study.html

 

 

[oldskool]

There is a book series "What your (fill in the blank) grader is supposed to know". Many schools have what they are covering or will be covering on their websites.

 

Lesley

[MBM]

If you don't mind checking out a book, The Educated Child: A Parent's Guide From Preschool Through Eighth Grade lists suggestions by grade. It was written by Chester Finn, William Bennett and John Cribb.

[fhjmom]

I don't know about other states, but in addition to the "Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills" (TEKS), Texas also has their standardized tests (TAKS) from past years posted online. The TEKS are sometimes pretty vague and it helps to see the tests to see how they really expect kid to be able to apply it. TAKS testing doesn't start until 3rd grade though.

[Perry]

Most states have their own set of standards. Google your state and "education standards" and you can probably find a list.

You also might want to take a look at the Fordham site to see what they think of your state's standards.

[6packofun]

I had good luck finding a scope and sequence listed on my local school districts' websites! It was interesting to see the differences among schools in my state.

 

I also really like the book What Your Child Needs to Know When--it has some Christian content, just fyi.

[abbeyej]

I'll second the Core Knowledge ("What your __ Grader Needs to Know") books and The Educated Child (Bennet). Both do a good job of bringing together the *best* of what kids should cover without focusing (as so many state standards lists do) on educationalese over content.

[NanceXToo]

So which curriculum are you using? Is it Oak Meadow by any chance? :D

[....]

Hi, all these were great replies and I've checked the World Book list before and also the Core Knowledge sequence. At the beginning of the school year, I also googled "3rd Grade Expectations" and came up with some great lists from some of the public schools. I used these to come up with my own list, printed it out and read through it with my 3rd grader the 1st day of 3rd grade (which was in May :tongue_smilie: - we school year-round).

 

It opened my eyes to a couple of small (inconsequential) things that we were doing in our schoolwork and I ended up having a little "workshop" on how to layout her assignments on lined paper (OK, this sounds stupid, but I actually had to explain margins to her :D).

 

Oh, yeah, for 1st grade...I found out the ps kids covered Map Skills :glare: and that was something (for the life of me) I had not thought of when ordering curricula (why the heck would a 6 yro read a map?).

 

In case I am killed in a horrible, ghastly household accident (the vaccuum hose detaches and wraps itself around my neck), I would want to kids to have all their bases covered if they had to go to public school. :tongue_smilie::tongue_smilie::tongue_smilie:

[laundrycrisis]

I use these websites:

 

http://school.familyeducation.com/second-grade/assessment/56218.html?detoured=1

 

They are not very detailed and that suits me fine.

 

You can also get the scope for each grade from Calvert's website:

 

http://homeschool.calvertschool.org/why-calvert/homeschool-curriculum/third-grade/third-grade-scope

[sbgrace]

I think a combination of the Core Knowledge Sequence (which will mirror the What Your ___ Grader Needs to Know" for free) referenced above and the

Common Core Standards for Language Arts and Math the vast majority of the States seem to be adopting now would give a solid guide. http://www.corestandards.org/

[Sebastian (a lady)]

I'm also a fan of the curriculum guide put out by Hillsdale Academy (associated with Hillsdale College). I pull that out occasionally when I need motivation.

[Miss Sherry]

Hewitt Homeschooling Resources has a guide listing objectives for K to 8th grade.

I have an older edition that I have referred to for many years. I have found it to be very helpful. I haven't seen the most recent edition.

 

here's a link to the current edition of the objectives guide. " All lists have been compared with recognized standards to ensure that students will not be surprised on standardized achievement tests by unfamiliar items."

 

http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/book/bsingle.asp?i=1026

 

Here is a more complete education manual, which is the newer edition of what I have.

This is the "Home Education Guide"

http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/book/bsingle.asp?i=1023

 

This is one of my favorite resources, of all of the things I have ever purchased for homeschooling.

Edited September 21, 2010 by Miss Sherry