Introduction
In 2003, Dr. Roberta McKnight, of the Virginia Literacy Institute, conducted a thorough review of the literature to prepare a comprehensive report regarding the development of content standards. The report summarizes current developments across the United States, discusses issues related to content standards, and provides an interactive matrix of links to each state's website.
About the Report
Three criteria were used to review and categorize existing state content standards – level of specificity, format, and usability or ease of use. Specificity refers to the detail found within the content standards presented. Format refers to how content standards are made available to the public. Usability or ease of use is based upon personal observation.
Since content standards merely provide a framework for instruction, the involvement of educators at the program level is critical. Content standards are a vital component of Virginia’s adult education service delivery system and are essential to sound pedagogical practice. With support from Governor Warner’s Education for a Lifetime initiative, adult educators are uniquely poised to improve the provision of services to adult learners through the development of content standards that will improve the instructional process.
The appendix is composed of an interactive summary matrix of state standards with links to each state's website.
Please note: The report is in pdf format, requiring Acrobat Reader.