Test to measure what they
had learned over the course of
the year. High school students took
End of Course (EOC) exams, also part of the
TCAP testing program. While these assessments
provided educators and parents with some useful
information about students’ progress, they were not fully
aligned with the state’s academic standards.
Distinguishing Standards and Curriculum
Academic standards are a common set of expectations that establish desired learning outcomes for
students at each subject and grade level. Decisions about standards are made at the state level and
apply to all public schools in Tennessee. Curriculum is the locally developed plan that outlines what
teachers and students will do throughout the school year in order to achieve the learning outcomes
defined in standards. Curriculum is generally far more detailed than standards and may include particular
activities, lesson plans, assignments, or textbooks.61 Decisions about curriculum are made at the district,
school, or classroom level.
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