The District of Columbia has adopted challenging academic learning standards designed to encourage the highest achievement of every student by defining the knowledge, concepts and skills that all DC public school students should acquire at each grade level. The standards define what all students are expected to know and be able to do rather than how teachers should teach.
DC Standards of Learning
All DC LEAs implementing the following subject areas are required to leverage these standards:
- Early Learning Standards
- Mathematics Standards (Common Core)
- English Language Arts Standards (Common Core)
- Science Standards (Next Generation Science Standards)
- Social Studies Standards
- Financial Literacy Standards
- Social and Emotional Learning Standards
- Health Education and Physical Education Standards
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards
NEW Standards for School Year 2024-25
The following standards are new for the 2024-25 school year. These standards were developed by OSSE and approved by the District of Columbia State Board of Education (SBOE). All DC local education agencies (LEAs) should be aware of these new standards and related requirements. OSSE will provide implementation support and resources, including professional learning opportunities on the OSSE Learning Management System.
Social Studies Standards
- Read the Standards: DC Social Studies Standards
- Grade Levels Impacted: K-12
- Resources and Monitoring for 2024-25 School Year: OSSE will provide implementation supports, including professional development for teachers and curricular materials. The OSSE team will conduct school site visits to monitor implementation.
- Resources and Updates: OSSE Social Studies Webpage
Financial Literacy Standards
- Read the Standards: DC Financial Literacy Standards
- Grade Levels Impacted: 9-12
- Resources and Monitoring for 2024-25 School Year: The financial literacy standards are intended to be implemented as a standalone, elective course for high school students. OSSE will provide implementation supports for local education agencies (LEAs). The OSSE team will conduct school site visits to monitor implementation.
- Resources and Updates: OSSE Financial Literacy Webpage
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards
- Read the Standards: DC Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards
- Grade Levels Impacted: K-Adult
- Monitoring for 2024-25 School Year: OSSE will provide implementation supports and resources for LEAs. The OSSE team will conduct school site visits to monitor implementation.
- Resources and Updates: OSSE SEL Webpage