Collaborative

Decision-Making Matrix
A Process to Identify Priority Standards

Those standards that once mastered, give a student the ability to use
reasoning and thinking skills to learn and understand other curriculum
objectives. ~ Dr. Douglas Reeves


1) Review the potential priority standards such as indicators,
grade/level course expectations, performance standards

2) What pops out at you as an absolute must know for your
students?

3) What do students need to be successful in LIFE? Consider the life-
long knowledge and skills that stand the test of time

4) What do students need to be successful in SCHOOL? Consider
readiness for the next grade level or the next level of instruction

5) What do students need to be successful on the State or National
TEST? Consider the knowledge and skills that will be assessed as well
as the strengths and area of concern in the data from your school or
district.

6) Determine the level of RIGOR represented in the language of the
standard and the higher-level thinking required of students.

7) Check the K-12 alignment with the grade below and above for gaps,
overlaps, and omissions.



Refer to Power Standards: Identifying the Standards that Matter the Most (2003) by Larry
Ainsworth for the complete step-by-step identification process.