For my lesson plans, we’re required to make explicit reference to each of the standards we’re addressing (read the Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening State standards for Pennsylvania). Even within Philadelphia, where we have a mandated curriculum, it’s the state standards that trump everything. There are benchmarks that enable the city itself to monitor teachers' and students' progress, but the way that counts is the state. I also incorporate the NCTE Standards into my practice.

> read more: Pennsylvania State Standards