Cracking the Code: The New Education Revolution

Benchmarks: Grades 6-8

Sixth Grade
Sixth-Grade Milestones Click Here
Seventh-Grade Milestones Click Here
Eight-Grade Milestones Click Here

Teaching Middle and High School Students to Read and Write Well: Six Features of Effective Instruction Read more

Developing Educational Standards Read more
National and State Standards Read more
Keeping Pace With K–12 Online Learning: A Snapshot of State-Level Policy and Practice Read more

State Assessments
Much of the testing that occurs as part of state- and district-wide assessment programs is part of a concerted effort to improve the quality of education through assessment-based accountability. State-mandated tests don't merely assess students' academic ability; many states are relying on tests to determine the academic future of students, compensation for teachers and administrators, and funding for schools. With states' reliance on educational tests steadily on the rise, students will find themselves up against these state-mandated tests more and more in their school careers.

Since much of the U.S. educational system is under local control by the state or district, tests vary significantly. Some are locally developed; others are purchased from large commercial test publishers.
Click Here to find out information about your state.