Common Core sets a series of benchmarks for what K-12 students should know and when they should know it. In some cases the standards are similar to those previously used in Wisconsin, which set benchmarks for just fourth, eighth and 12th grades. Other standards are more demanding. Here are some examples.
Kindergarten, math: “Count to 100 by ones and by tens. … Write numbers from zero to 20.” (The prior state standards set no specific benchmarks for math in kindergarten.)
Fourth grade, writing: “Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details and clear event sequences.”
Sixth grade, geometry: “Find the area of right triangles, other triangles, special quadrilaterals and polygons … (to solve) real world and mathematical problems.”
Eighth grade, reading: “Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings.”
Twelfth grade, writing: “Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events and/or characters.”
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