These resources are compilations of educational benchmarks designed to provide a consistent framework for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level in mathematics and English language arts. For example, a publication may outline the specific mathematical concepts a student should master by the end of third grade, or the reading comprehension skills expected of a tenth-grade student.
Such materials play a crucial role in aligning curricula across different schools and districts, promoting equity in education by ensuring all students have access to similar content regardless of their location. Historically, the development of these resources aimed to address inconsistencies in educational outcomes and prepare students for success in higher education and the workforce.