Learning Standards & Instructional Materials

Learning Standards vs. Instructional Materials: Key Differences

Learning Standards

Learning standards define what all students need to know and be able to do at each grade level. 

As required by state law, OSPI develops, adopts, and periodically revises the state's learning standards (RCW 28A.655.070) and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for state and federal accountability purposes. 

Four learning goals provide the foundation for the development of all academic learning standards in Washington state:

1. Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of audiences;
2. Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history, including different cultures and participation in representative government; geography; arts; and health and fitness;
3. Think analytically, logically, and creatively, to integrate technology literacy and fluency as well as different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems; and
4. Understand the importance of work and finance and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities.

Learning Standards & Year of Adoption

Our learning standards are developed through collaborative, public processes informed by educators, administrators, community members, parents and guardians, and stakeholder groups across the state and nation.

Learning Standards are available as PDF downloads from each content area site.  Print orders are available through MyPrint

Instructional Materials

Instructional materials are all materials designed for use by students and their teachers as learning resources to help students to acquire facts, skills, and/or to develop cognitive processes. These instructional materials, used to help students meet state learning standards, may be printed or digital, and may include textbooks, technology-based materials, other educational media, and assessments.

Five types of instructional materials (core, alternative core, intervention, supplemental, and temporary supplemental) are defined in the Washington State School Directors’ Association model Course Design, Selection, and Adoption of Instructional Materials policy.

State laws require districts to have policies and procedures in place to guide the selection and adoption of instructional materials for classroom use.