These are comparison tools which may be used when comparing existing local curriculum content with the Illinois Learning Standards.
Generally, local goals could be compared to state goals, local outcomes could be compared to learning standards and local objectives could be compared to benchmarks.
The following questions should help schools analyze the content alignment of their local outcomes in relation to the Illinois Learning Standards.
Where are the standards and benchmarks more detailed, rigorous or comprehensive than the corresponding local outcomes?
Where are the standards and benchmarks more general, less rigorous or less comprehensive than the corresponding local outcomes?
Where do the standards and benchmarks refer to learning expectations NOT addressed by local outcomes? (In other words, where do "gaps" appear in the local outcomes?)
Where do local outcomes refer to learning expectations NOT addressed by the Illinois Learning Standards?
In places where these types of gaps are noted, is the local outcome appropriate to keep as a local expectation for all students?
Use the analysis work to generate discussion at the school and district level regarding local outcomes in relation to the Illinois Learning Standards.
In order to use this tool properly, you should follow these basic guidelines:
Once you have chosen the Learning Area of your choice, you can go directly to it by clicking on it.
Once you open the Learning Area of your choice, you can either save the file on to your computer or you can print it. It is recommended that you first save the files before you print.
Fill in all of the information requested on the form. This will be a good way for your school to keep track of the responses pertaining to a specific learning area especially if you are using more than one linking tool or trying to compare more than one school.
The Illinois Learning Standards, Goals and Benchmarks are provided in the left column. To the right of the each Goal, Standard and Benchmark are three boxes. The spaces located directly below the boxes can be used to reference local goals, outcomes or objectives; or to add any other comments. This is an optional feature that was provided so that you will be able to easily cross reference the Illinois Learning Standards with your school's goals, outcomes and objectives.
