Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Julie Tartick
Standards Paper
The Virginia Standards of Learning were approved in June 1995 by the Virginia
Board of Education. These standards describe the expectations for learning in grades
kindergarten to twelfth grade. Mathematics, science, English and Social Science are the
four content areas that are covered in the standards. These standards provide goals for the
material teachers are responsible to teach and the things students are responsible to learn.
These standards go into great detail about the knowledge and skills that are essential in
order to reach the goals set forth. To help maintain up to date goals, the Virginia Board of
The North Carolina Competency Goals were developed by the North Carolina
Department of Public Instruction. This agency also implements the state’s public school
laws and develops assessments to monitor school success. The Department of Public
Instruction is headed by an elected superintendent who functions under the State Board of
Education’s policies. The North Carolina Competency goals were created to ensure
uniform academic standards consistent with current research and national standards
William John Bennett was the secretary of the United States Department of
Education. Some are familiar with his book James Madison Elementary School: A
Curriculum For American Students that was published in 1988. Through this book, he
was able to create outlines of various goals for kindergarten through eighth grade
classrooms. The goals cover the seven subject areas of English, Social Science,
Mathematics, Science, Foreign Language, Fine Arts, and Physical Education. In the
introduction to his book, Bennett states his views on the curriculum during this time
period: “It sometimes seems that such curricula are constructed on the assumption that it
doesn't really matter what young children study so long as it is frivolous, unchallenging,
and easily accessible” (Bennett 9). Bennett came up with these goals to help set a purpose
Mathematics Education Standards are guidelines for teachers, schools, districts, states,
and provinces which address content, teaching, and assessment (Education World, 2007).
reports of exemplary practices, and used their own experience and insights to develop the
National Science Education Standards. The finished result “outlines what students need
levels” (National Academies Press, 1995). Finally, the National Science Education
Standards are continuously reviewed at the national, state, and local level to ensure that
The National Social Sciences Standards were developed by the National Council
for the Social Studies. This council, which was founded in 1921, is the largest
association in the United States solely devoted to social studies education. The National
Council for the Social Studies’ mission is “to provide leadership, service, and support for
all social studies educators” (National Council for the Social Studies, 2007). The
National Social Sciences Standards incorporate ten themes and describe the content
knowledge, intellectual skills, and civic values necessary for becoming a good citizen
The National English Language Arts Education Standards were developed by the
National Council of Teachers of English. This council was formed in 1911 with the
arts at all scholastic levels” (National Council of Teachers of English, 2007). The
for teaching English and language arts. The National English Language Arts Education
Standards encourage the development of curricula which provide opportunities and
Mathematics is a vital subject area in any curriculum. Students must learn the
studying mathematics increases students’ problem solving skills. In fact, “One of the best
challenges and strengthens our mind in a way few other things do” (Math Page, 2007).
Number Sense
VA SOL 2.1a: The student will read, write, and identify the place value of each digit in a three-digit
numeral, using numeration models.
NC CG 1.01: The learner will develop number sense for whole numbers through 999.
a. The student will connect model, number word, and number using a variety of representations.
b. The student will read and write numbers.
e. The student will use a variety of models to build understanding of place value (ones, tens,
hundreds).
NM NUM PK-2.1b: Students will use multiple models to develop initial understandings of place value
and the base-ten number system.
MJ M 2.1: The student will recognize, read, and write whole numbers up to 1000. The student will
also be able to use a variety of models to identify the place value of each digit in a three
digit number.
VA SOL 2.1b: The student will round two-digit numbers to the nearest ten.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students round numbers to the nearest tens and hundreds.
NM: NA
MJ M 2.2: The student will round two-digit numbers to the nearest ten.
VA SOL 2.2: The student will compare two whole numbers between 0 and 999, using symbols (>, <, or
=) and words (greater than, less than, or equal to).
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM: NA
MJ M 2.3: The student will compare and order numbers up to 1000 using symbols and words.
VA SOL 2.3: The student will identify the ordinal positions first through twentieth, using an ordered set
of objects.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM NUM PK-2.1c: The student will develop understanding of the relative position and magnitude of
whole numbers and of ordinal and cardinal numbers and their connections.
MJ M 2.4: The student will be able to order and name (using ordinal numbers) twenty numbers or
objects.
VA SOL 2.4: The student will identify the part of a set and/or region that represents fractions for one-
half, one-third, one-fourth, one-eighth, and one-tenth and write the corresponding fraction.
NC CG 1.02: The learner will use area or region models and set models of fractions to explore part-
whole relationships in contexts.
a. Represent fractions (halves, thirds, fourths) concretely and symbolically.
NM NUM PK-2.1f: The student will understand and represent commonly used fractions, such as 1/4, 1/3,
and 1/2.
MJ M 2.5: The student will understand, represent, identify, and write commonly used fractions
such as one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-eighth, and one-tenth.
VA SOL 2.5a-b: The student will
a) count forward by twos, fives, and tens to 100, starting at various multiples of 2, 5, or 10,
using mental mathematics, paper and pencil, hundred chart, calculators, and/or concrete
objects, as appropriate and
b) count backward by tens from 100.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM: NA
MJ M 2.6: The student will use various methods (eg. mental mathematics, paper and pencil,
charts, calculators, concrete objects, etc.) to count backwards and forwards by tens to 100. The
student will also be able to count forwards by twos and fives to 100.
VA SOL 2.5c: The student will group objects by threes and fours.
NC CG: NA
NM NUM PK-2.1: The student will count with understanding and recognize "how many" in sets of
objects.
MJ M 2.7: The student will group various objects by threes and fours.
VA SOL 2.5d: The student will recognize even and odd numbers, using objects.
NC CG 1.06: The learner will define and recognize odd and even numbers.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM: NA
MJ M 2.8: The student will understand the difference between even and odd numbers.
Computation and Estimation
VA SOL 2.6: The student will recall basic addition facts — i.e., sums to 18 or less — and the
corresponding subtraction facts.
NC CG 1.04: The learner will develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 999
using multiple strategies.
a. Strategies for adding and subtracting numbers.
b. Estimation of sums and differences in appropriate situations.
c. Relationships between operations.
Bennett’s Goals: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts.
NM NUM PK-2.3b: The student will develop fluency with basic number combinations for addition and
subtraction.
MJ M 2.9: The student will use mental computation fluently to recall basic addition and
subtraction facts.
VA SOL 2.7a: The student, given two whole numbers whose sum is 99 or less, will estimate the sum.
NC CG 1.04b: The learner will develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 999
using multiple strategies,. [including] estimation of sums and differences in appropriate situations.
Bennett’s Goals: Students estimate solutions to large-number addition and subtraction problems.
NC CG 1.04: The learner will develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 999
using multiple strategies.
Bennett’s Goals: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts.
NM NUM PK-2.3c: The student will use a variety of methods and tools to compute, including objects,
mental computation, estimation, paper and pencil, and calculators.
MJ M 2.11: The student will be able to compute sums up to 100 using multiple strategies, including
objects, mental computation, paper and pencil, and calculators.
VA SOL 2.8a: The student, given two whole numbers, each of which is 99 or less, will estimate the
difference.
NC CG 1.04b: The learner will develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 999
using multiple strategies,. [including] estimation of sums and differences in appropriate situations.
Bennett’s Goals: Students estimate solutions to large-number addition and subtraction problems.
NC CG 1.04: The learner will develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 999
using multiple strategies.
Bennett’s Goals: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts.
NM NUM PK-2.3c: The student will use a variety of methods and tools to compute, including objects,
mental computation, estimation, paper and pencil, and calculators.
MJ M 2.13: The student will be able to compute difference using multiple strategies, including
objects, mental computation, paper and pencil, and calculators
VA SOL 2.9: The student will create and solve one-step addition and subtraction problems using data
from simple tables, picture graphs, bar graphs, and practical situations.
NC CG 1.03: The learner will create, model, and solve problems that involve addition, subtraction, equal
grouping, and division into halves, thirds, and fourths (record in fraction form).
Bennett’s Goals: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts.
NM NUM PK-2.3b: The student will develop fluency with basic number combinations for addition and
subtraction.
MJ M 2.14: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts by creating their own
addition and subtraction problems using various sources of data.
VA SOL 2.10: The student, given a simple addition or subtraction fact, will recognize and describe the
related facts which represent and describe the inverse relationship between addition and
subtraction (e.g., 3 + __ = 7, ___ + 3 = 7; 7 – 3 = __, and 7 – __ = 3).
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts.
NM NUM PK-2.2a: The student will understand various meanings of addition and subtraction of whole
numbers and the relationship between the two operations.
MJ M 2.15: The student will recognize and describe the relationship between addition and
subtraction using simple addition or subtraction facts.
Measurement
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: The student will discuss coins and the money system.
NM: NA
MJ M 2.16: The student will understand the usages of symbols associated with money and be able
to count and compare small collections of coins.
VA SOL 2.12: The student will estimate and then use a ruler to make linear measurements to the nearest
centimeter and inch, including measuring the distance around a polygon in order to determine
perimeter.
NC CG 2.01a: The learner will estimate and measure using appropriate units.
a. Length (meters, centimeters, feet, inches, yards).
NM MEA PK-2.1c: The student will understand how to measure using nonstandard and standard units.
MJ M 2.17: The student will understand linear measurement and be able to estimate and measure
length.
VA-SOL 2.13: The student, given grid paper, will estimate and then count the number of square units
needed to cover a given surface in order to determine area.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students recognize properties of two- and three- dimensional shapes.
NM MEA PK-2.1a: The student will recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area, and time.
MJ M 2.18: The student will determine area by estimating and counting the number of grid paper
squares required to cover a given surface.
VA SOL 2.14: The student will estimate and then count the number of cubes in a rectangular box in order
to determine volume.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students recognize properties of two- and three- dimensional shapes.
NM MEA PK-2.1a: The student will recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area, and time.
MJ M 2.19: The student will determine volume by estimating and counting the number of cubes in
a rectangular box.
VA SOL 2.15: The student will estimate and then determine weight/mass of familiar objects in pounds
and/or kilograms, using a scale.
NC CG 2: The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM MEA PK-2.1a: The student will recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area, and time.
MJ M 2.20: The student will estimate and determine weight and mass in pounds and kilograms,
using a scale.
VA SOL 2.16: The student will tell and write time to the quarter hour, using analog and digital clocks.
NC CG 2: The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM MEA PK-2.1a: The student will recognize the attributes of length, volume, weight, area, and time.
MJ M 2.21: The student will tell time to the quarter hour, using both digital and analog clocks.
VA SOL 2.17: The student will use actual measuring devices to compare metric and U.S. Customary
units (cups, pints, quarts, gallons, and liters) for measuring liquid volume, using the concepts
of more, less, and equivalent.
NC CG 2: The learner will recognize and use standard units of metric and customary measurement.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ M 2.22: The student will measure liquid volume and compare the units (cups, pints, quarts,
gallons, and liters).
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM: NA
NC CG 2.01b: The learner will estimate and measure using appropriate units.
b. Temperature (Fahrenheit)
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ M 2.24: The student will measure temperature using Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers.
Geometry
VA-SOL 2.20: The student will identify, describe, and sort three-dimensional (solid) concrete figures,
including a cube, rectangular solid (prism), square pyramid, sphere, cylinder, and cone,
according to the number and shape of the solid’s faces, edges, and corners.
NC CG: NA
NM GEO PK-2.1a: The student will recognize, name, build, draw, compare, and sort two- and three-
dimensional shapes.
MJ M 2.25: The student will identify, describe, draw, build, compare, and sort various two- and
three-dimensional shapes based on their attributes.
VA SOL 2.21: The student will identify and create figures, symmetric along a line, using various concrete
materials.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM GEO PK-2.3b: The student will recognize and create shapes that have symmetry.
VA SOL 2.22: The student will compare and contrast plane and solid geometric shapes (circle/sphere,
square/cube, and rectangle/rectangular solid).
NC CG: NA
NM GEO PK-2.1a: The student will recognize, name, build, draw, compare, and sort two- and three-
dimensional shapes.
MJ M 2.27: The student will compare and contrast plane and solid geometric shapes.
Probability and Statistics
VA SOL 2.23: The student will read, construct, and interpret a simple picture and bar graph.
NC CG 4.01: The learner will collect, organize, describe and display data using Venn diagrams (three
sets) and pictographs where symbols represent multiple units (2's, 5's, and 10's).
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM DATA PK-2.1c: The student will represent data using concrete objects, pictures, and graphs.
MJ M 2.28: The student will read, construct, and interpret various graphs.
VA SOL 2.24: The student will record data from experiments, using spinners and colored tiles/cubes, and
use the data to predict which of two events is more likely to occur if the experiment is
repeated.
NC CG 4.02: The learner will conduct simple probability experiments; describe the results and make
predictions.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM DATA PK-2.3a: The student will discuss events related to students' experiences as likely or unlikely.
MJ M 2.29: The student will conduct probability experiments with spinners and colored tiles. The
student will record data from these experiments and predict which of two events is more likely if
the experiment were repeated.
Patterns, Functions, and Algebra
VA SOL 2.25: The student will identify, create, and extend a wide variety of patterns, using numbers
concrete objects and pictures.
NC CG 5.01: The learner will identify, describe, translate, and extend repeating and growing patterns.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NM ALG PK-2.1b-c: The student will recognize, describe, and extend patterns such as sequences of
sounds and shapes or simple numeric patterns and translate from one representation to another and
analyze how both repeating and growing patterns are generated.
MJ M 2.30: The student will identify, create, and extend a variety of patterns such as sequences of
numbers, shapes, pictures, and sounds.
VA SOL 2.26: The student will solve problems by completing a numerical sentence involving the basic
facts for addition and subtraction. Examples include: 3 + __ = 7, or 9 – __ = 2. Students will
create story problems, using the numerical sentences.
NC CG 5.02: The learner will write addition and subtraction number sentences to represent a problem
and use symbols to represent unknown quantities.
Bennett’s Goals: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts.
NM PROB PK-12.1: The student will build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving.
MJ M 2.31: The student will master simple addition and subtraction facts by creating story
problems with numerical sentences.
VA-SOL: NA
NC CG 1.03: The learner will create, model, and solve problems that involve addition, subtraction, equal
grouping, and division into halves, thirds, and fourths (record in fraction form).
Bennett’s Goals: Students solve story problems that involve multiplication and division facts.
NM PROB PK-12.1: The student will build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving.
MJ M 2.32: The student will build mathematical knowledge about multiplication and division by
solving story problems that involve multiplication and division facts.
Science
Science is also an important subject area in any curriculum. The study of science
increases our knowledge of the world. From a Christian perspective, science also
increases our knowledge of God and his creative abilities. Psalm 19:1 says, “The
heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (NIV).
Thus, the study of science provides students with a glimpse of the glory of God and
VA SOL 2.1a: The student will conduct investigations in which observation is differentiated from
personal interpretation, and conclusions are drawn based on observations.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.1: The student will develop understanding about scientific inquiry by conducting
investigations which differentiate observation from personal interpretation. The student will draw
conclusions from observations.
VA SOL 2.1b: The student will conduct investigations in which observations are repeated to ensure
accuracy.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.2: The student will develop understanding about scientific inquiry by conducting
investigations in which observations are repeated to ensure accuracy.
VA SOL 2.1c: The student will conduct investigations in which two or more attributes are used to
classify items.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.3: The student will develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry by classifying items
using two or more attributes.
VA SOL 2.1d: The student will conduct investigations in which conditions that influence a change are
defined.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.4: The student will develop understanding about scientific inquiry by conducting
investigations in which conditions that influence change are defined.
VA SOL 2.1e: The student will conduct investigations in which length, volume, mass, and temperature
measurements are made in metric units (centimeters, meters, liters, degrees Celsius, grams,
kilograms) and standard English units (inches, feet, yards, cups, pints, quarts, gallons, degrees
Fahrenheit, ounces, pounds).
NC CG 2.04: The learner will identify and use common tools to measure weather, including the
thermometer and rain gauge.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.5: The student will develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry by measuring length,
volume, mass, and temperature in metric and standard English units.
VA SOL 2.1f: The student will conduct investigations in which pictures and bar graphs are constructed
using numbered axes.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.6: The student will develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry by constructing
pictures and bar graphs with numbered axes.
VA SOL 2.1g: The student will conduct investigations in which unexpected or unusual quantitative data
are recognized.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.7: The student will develop understanding about scientific inquiry by recognizing
unexpected and unusual quantitative data.
VA SOL 2.1h: The student will conduct investigations in which simple physical models are constructed.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.8: The student will develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry by constructing
simple physical models.
Force, Motion, and Energy
VA SOL 2.2: The student will investigate and understand that natural and artificial magnets have certain
characteristics and attract specific types of metals. Key concepts include
a) magnetism, iron, magnetic/nonmagnetic, poles, attract/repel; and
b) important applications of magnetism including the magnetic compass.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students will learn basic ideas about magnets and magnetism. Students construct their
own magnetic compasses, use them to determine general directions, and participate in orienteering
games and exercise.
NS K-4.2c: Students should develop an understanding of light, heat, electricity, and magnetism.
MJ S 2.9: The student will develop an understanding of basic magnetism and learn how to use a
magnetic compass.
VA SOL: NA
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students will learn about the forces of motion and simple machines and their inventors.
MJ S 2.10: The student will understand the forces of motion and how they are used in simple
machines.
Matter
VA SOL 2.3a: The student will investigate and understand basic properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
Key concepts include mass and volume.
NC CG 3.01: The learner will identify three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.11: Students will identify the three states of matter and investigate their mass and volume.
VA SOL 2.3b: The student will investigate and understand basic properties of solids, liquids, and gases.
Key concepts include processes involved with changes in matter from one state to another
(condensation, evaporation, melting, and freezing).
NC CG 3.02: The learner will observe changes in state due to heating and cooling of common materials.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.12: Students will identify the three states of matter and understand the processes involved
in changing them from one state to another.
Life Processes
VA SOL 2.4a: The student will investigate and understand that plants and animals undergo a series of
orderly changes in their life cycles. Key concepts include some animals (frogs and butterflies)
undergo distinct stages during their lives, while others generally resemble their parents.
NC CG 1.0l: The learner will describe the life cycle of animals including birth, developing into an adult,
reproducing, and aging and death.
1.03: The learner will observe the different stages of an insect life cycle.
1.04: The learner will compare and contrast life cycles of other animals such as mealworms,
ladybugs, crickets, guppies or frogs.
Bennett’s Goals: Students will learn about life cycles in various organisms.
MJ S 2.13: The student will develop describe the life cycles of various types of animals, including
those that undergo distinct stages and those that resemble their parents.
VA SOL 2.4b: The student will investigate and understand that plants and animals undergo a series of
orderly changes in their life cycles. Key concepts include flowering plants undergo many
changes, from the formation of the flower to the development of the fruit.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students will learn how seeds mature into plants.
MJ S 2.14: The student will develop describe the life cycles of plants, from seed to flowering plant.
VA SOL: NA
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students learn about the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates.
MJ S 2.15: The student will describe the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates.
Living Systems
VA SOL 2.5: The student will investigate and understand that living things are part of a system. Key
concepts include
a) living organisms are interdependent with their living and nonliving surroundings; and
b) habitats change over time due to many influences.
NC CG 1.02: The learner will observe that insects need food, air and space to grow.
MJ S 2.16: The student will understand that living things are interdependent with their
environment. The student will recognize that this environment changes due to many influences
including the seasons.
Interrelationships in Earth/Space Systems
VA SOL 2.6a: The student will investigate and understand basic types, changes, and patterns of weather.
Key concepts include temperature, wind, precipitation, drought, flood, and storms.
NC CG 2.03: The learner will describe weather using quantitative measures of temperature, wind
direction, wind speed, and precipitation.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.17: The student will develop a basic understanding of weather including temperature,
wind, precipitation, drought, flood, and storms.
VA SOL 2.6b: The student will investigate and understand basic types, changes, and patterns of weather.
Key concepts include the uses and importance of measuring and recording weather data.
NC CG 2.04: The learner will identify and use common tools to measure weather, including the wind
vane, the anemometer, the thermometer, and the rain gauge.
2.06: The learner will observe and record weather changes over time and relate to time of day
and time of year.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ S 2.18: The student will understand the importance of measuring and recording weather data.
The student will use common tools to record weather changes over time.
VA SOL: NA
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students learn about the effects of the moon on tides.
MJ S 2.19: The student will understand how the moon affects tides.
Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change
VA SOL 2.7a: The student will investigate and understand that weather and seasonal changes affect
plants, animals, and their surroundings. Key concepts include effects on growth and behavior of
living things (migration, hibernation, camouflage, adaptation, dormancy).
NC CG: NA
MJ S 2.20: The student will understand how weather and seasonal changes affect the living
organisms.
VA SOL 2.7b: The student will investigate and understand that weather and seasonal changes affect
plants, animals, and their surroundings. Key concepts include weathering and erosion of the land
surface.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: Students learn about the Earth’s orbit and its effect on the seasons.
MJ S 2.21: The student will understand how weather and seasonal changes affect the environment.
Resources
VA SOL 2.8: The student will investigate and understand that plants produce oxygen and food, are a
source of useful products, and provide benefits in nature. Key concepts include
a) important plant products (fiber, cotton, oil, spices, lumber, rubber, medicines, and paper);
b) the availability of plant products affects the development of a geographic area; and
c) plants provide homes and food for many animals and prevent soil from washing away.
NC CG 1.02: The learner will observe that insects need food, air and space to grow.
Bennett’s Goals: Students learn about how seeds mature into plants.
MJ S 2.22: The student will understand the importance of plants as a natural resource.
English
The student will use prior knowledge in the content area of English and work
"Education should turn out the pupil with something he knows well and something he can
do well” (2006). The students will have many opportunities to enhance their oral
communication skills. The student will develop their vocabulary and reading skills, by
reading various fiction and nonfiction texts. The student will expand their writing skills
Oral Language
VA SOL 2.1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of oral language structure.
a) Create oral stories to share with others.
b) Create and participate in oral dramatic activities.
c) Use correct verb tenses in oral communication.
d) Use increasingly complex sentence structures in oral communication.
NC CG 4.06: Plan and make judgments about what to include in written products (e.g., narratives of
personal experiences, creative stories, skits based on familiar stories, and/or experiences).
Bennett’s Goals: Children have frequent opportunities to share their reading and writing with
classmates.
NL ENG. K-12.4: Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions,
style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
MJ E 2.1: The student will successfully communicate to a variety of audiences through stories,
skits, and narratives. The student will indicate an understanding of oral language structure.
VA SOL 2.2: The student will continue to expand listening and speaking vocabularies.
a) Use words that reflect a growing range of interests and knowledge.
b) Clarify and explain words and ideas orally.
c) Follow oral directions with three or four steps.
d) Give three-step and four-step directions.
NC CG 3.04: Increase oral and written vocabulary by listening, discussing, and composing texts when
responding to literature that is read and heard (e.g., read aloud by teacher, literature circles, interest
groups, book clubs).
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.2: The student will communicate clearly and listen attentively during
group activities. The student will expand vocabulary knowledge by listening and conversing
with others.
VA SOL 2.2: The student will continue to expand listening and speaking vocabularies.
e) Identify and use synonyms and antonyms in oral communication.
NC CG 4.02: Use expanded vocabulary to generate synonyms for commonly over used words to increase
clarity of written and oral communication.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.3: The student will effectively communicate with others, while using synonyms
and antonyms for clarity of speech.
VA SOL 2.3: The student will use oral communication skills.
a) use oral language for different purposes: to inform, to persuade, and to entertain
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NL ENG.K-12.12: Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes
(e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information.
MJ E 2.4: The student will use communication skills to inform, persuade, and entertain.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
MJ E 2.5: The student will use communication skills to share, analyze, and summarize
information with various audiences or groups.
Reading
VA SOL 2.4: The student will use phonetic strategies when reading and spelling.
a) Use knowledge of consonants, consonant blends, and consonant digraphs to decode and spell
words.
b) Use knowledge of short, long, and r-controlled vowel patterns to decode and spell words.
c) Decode regular multisyllabic words.
NC CG 1.01: Use phonics knowledge and structural analysis (e.g., knowledge of syllables, suffixes,
prefixes, root words) to decode regular multi-syllable words when reading text.
NC CG 1.03: Self-monitor decoding by using letter-sound knowledge of all consonants and vowels.
Bennett’s Goals: Phonics instruction is completed and students begin to read silently for longer periods
of time.
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.6: The student will use information gained through phonics to assist
in the areas of reading and spelling.
VA SOL 2.5: The student will use meaning clues and language structure when reading.
a) Use information in the story to read words.
b) Use knowledge of sentence structure.
c) Use knowledge of story structure and sequence.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.7: The student will use clues and language structure as assistance in reading. The student
will use previous knowledge of sentence structure, story structure and sequence, and information
within the story when reading.
VA SOL 2.6: The student will use language structure to expand vocabulary when reading.
a) Use knowledge of prefixes and suffixes.
b) Use knowledge of contractions and singular possessives.
c) Use knowledge of simple abbreviations.
d) Use knowledge of antonyms and synonyms.
NC CG 1.01: Use phonics knowledge and structural analysis (e.g., knowledge of syllables, suffixes,
prefixes, root words) to decode regular multi-syllable words when reading text.
Bennett’s Goals: Vocabulary and spelling work is done both in the context of readings and in isolation
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.8: The student will use phonics knowledge and structural analysis when reading to help
decode multi-syllable words and to expand vocabulary knowledge.
VA SOL 2.7: The student will read fiction and nonfiction, using a variety of strategies independently.
a) Preview the selection by using pictures, diagrams, titles, and headings.
b) Set purpose for reading.
c) Read stories, poems, and passages with fluency and expression.
d) Reread and self-correct when necessary.
NC CG 4.03: Read aloud with fluency and expression any text appropriate for early independent
readers.
Bennett’s Goals: During library visits, students learn to identify books by their titles, authors, and
illustrators.
NL ENG.K-12.1: Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of
texts, of themselves, and of cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to
respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among
these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
MJ E 2.9: The student will read fiction and nonfiction texts. The student will preview the text,
set a purpose for reading, read the book, and reread or self-correct when needed.
VA SOL 2.8: The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of fiction and nonfiction.
a) Make predictions about content.
b) Read to confirm predictions.
c) Relate previous experiences to the topic.
d) Ask and answer questions about what is read.
e) Locate information to answer questions.
f) Describe characters, setting, and important events in fiction and poetry.
g) Identify the problem, solution, and main idea.
NC CG 2.01: Read and comprehend text (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama) appropriate for grade
two by:
• determining purpose (reader’s and author’s).
• making predictions.
• asking questions.
• locating information for specific reasons/purposes.
• recognizing and applying text structure.
• comprehending and examining author’s decisions and word choice.
• determining fact and opinion.
• recognizing and comprehending figurative language.
• making inferences and draw conclusions.
Bennett’s Goals: Group reading of imaginative literature emphasizes the development of interpretive
skills, making generalizations, drawing inferences, and determining character motivation and plot
sequence.
NL ENG.K-12.7: NA
MJ E 2.10: The student will read and comprehend fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama
suitable for the second grade. The student will identify the problem, solution, and main idea. The
student will
a) make predictions,
b) read to confirm predictions,
c) ask and answer questions about the text,
d) describe important aspects about the text.
VA SOL 2.9: The student will demonstrate comprehension of information in reference materials.
a) Use a table of contents.
b) Use pictures and charts.
c) Use dictionaries and indices.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.11: The student will use reference materials to interpret information. The student will
demonstrate knowledge through the use of diagrams, charts, maps, table of contents, dictionaries,
and indices.
Writing
VA SOL 2.10: The student will maintain manuscript and begin to make the transition to cursive.
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.12: The student will perfect manuscript handwriting and begin transitioning to cursive
writing.
VA SOL 2.11: The student will write stories, letters, and simple explanations.
a) Generate ideas before writing.
b) Organize writing to include a beginning, middle, and end.
c) Revise writing for clarity.
NC CG 4.06: Plan and make judgments about what to include in written products (e.g., narratives of
personal experiences, creative stories, skits based on familiar stories and/or experiences).
4.07: Compose first drafts using an appropriate writing process:
• planning and drafting.
• rereading for meaning.
• revising to clarify and refine writing with guided discussion.
Bennett’s Goals:…student writing assignments include stories, poems, letters, and simple book reports.
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.13: The student will compose stories, letters, explanations, poems, and book reports. The
student will begin the writing process by planning and organizing. The student will reread and
revise for clarity.
VA SOL 2.11: The student will write stories, letters, and simple explanations
d) Use available technology.
NC CG 4.09: Use media and technology to enhance the presentation of information to an audience for a
specific purpose.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NL ENG.K-12.8: Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries,
databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and
communicate knowledge.
MJ E 2.14: The student will use available technology and resources when
composing stories, letters, and simple explanations.
VA SOL 2.12: The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
a) Recognize and use complete sentences.
b) Use and punctuate declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences.
c) Capitalize all proper nouns and the word I.
d) Use singular and plural nouns and pronouns.
e) Use apostrophes in contractions, including don’t, isn’t, and can’t.
f) Use correct spelling for high-frequency sight words, including compound words and regular
plurals.
NC CG 5.02: Attend to spelling, mechanics, and format for final products in one’s own writing.
5.03: Use capitalization, punctuation, and paragraphs in own writing.
5.05: Use editing to check and confirm correct use of conventions;
• complete sentences.
• correct word order in sentences.
Bennett’s Goals: Instruction in grammar covers word order, pronouns and their antecedents, adjectives,
contractions, and possessives.
NL ENG: NA
MJ E 2.15: The student will use an appropriate writing process, by rereading and editing
writings. The student will specifically focus on grammar, capitalization, punctuation and spelling
when editing. The student will make necessary revisions to clarify writing.
Social Science
The goals for second grade will introduce the history and contributions from various
countries that have greatly influenced the United States. The students will also understand
how to use and interpret maps. The students will understand the various resources that are
used to produce goods and services. The student will understand how contributions from
American leaders and people of different ethnicity have influenced the United States of
America. Just as Maureen Stout states, “History and social sciences are not taught for the
sake of the knowledge alone but are now used primarily to teach kids about their own
culture and history” (The Illinois Loop, 2006). These standards will in fact help the
History
VA SOL 2.1: The student will explain how the contributions of ancient China and Egypt have influenced
the present world in terms of architecture, inventions, the calendar, and written language.
NC CG 3.06: Identify individuals of diverse cultures and describe on their contributions to society.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS USH. K-4.4: Understand selected attributes and historical developments of societies in
Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
MJ SS 2.1: The student will identify and describe the contributions of Asia and
Africa on the present world.
VA SOL 2.2: The student will compare the lives and contributions of American Indians (First
Americans), with emphasis on the Powhatan of the Eastern Woodlands, the Sioux of the Plains, and the
Pueblo people of the Southwest.
NC CG: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS USH. K-4.3: Understands the folklore and other cultural contributions from various regions of the
United States and how they helped to form a national heritage.
MJ SS 2.2: The student will understand the contributions of American Indians (First
Americans) in various regions of the United States. The student will understand the differences
made by the lives and contributions from these Indians.
VA SOL 2.3: The student will identify and compare changes in community life over time in terms of
buildings, jobs, transportation, and population.
NC CG 4.01: Analyze the effects of change in communities and predict future changes.
Bennett’s Goals: Timelines are used to promote a more concrete understanding of the past,
present, and future.
NSS USH: NA
MJ SS 2.3: The student will identify the change in communities over time and predict future
changes. The student will construct a timeline of past, present, and future to create a solid
understanding of the various periods of time. The student will specifically focus on the community
in the aspects of buildings, jobs, transportation, and population.
Geography
NC CG : NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS: NA
MJ SS 2.4: The student will develop map skills by finding China and Egypt on world
maps. The student will locate the regions of Powhatan, Sioux, and Pueblo Indians on
United States maps.
NC CG 5.01: NA
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS G.K-12.1 : Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools,
and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
MJ SS 2.5: The student will understand how to use maps and globes. The student will
specifically locate the equator, the seven continents, the four oceans, major rivers in the
United States, selected mountain ranges in the United States, and the Great Lakes.
VA SOL 2.6: The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps, using title,
map legend, and compass rose.
Bennett’s Goals: Further geography instruction teaches student to recognize cardinal directions,
map symbols, and physical and cultural distinctions among urban, suburban, and rural areas.
NSS G.K-12.1: Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools,
and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective.
MJ SS 2.6: The student will understand how to read and construct simple maps. The
student will recognize and use legends, titles, and compass rose. The student will understand the
difference of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Economics
VA SOL 2.7: The student will describe the differences between natural resources (water, soil,
wood, and coal), human resources (people at work), and capital resources (machines, tools, and
buildings).
NC CG 6.01: Identify natural resources and cite ways people conserve and replenish natural
resources.
7.02 : Distinguish between goods produced and services provided in communities.
7.03 : Describe different types of employment and ways people earn income.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS EC. K-4.1: Productive resources are the natural resources, human resources, and capital
goods available to make goods and services. Natural resources, such as land, are “gifts of
nature”, they are present without human effort directed toward producing goods and services.
Capital goods are goods that are produced and used to make other goods and services. Human
capital refers to the quality of labor resources, which can be improved through investments in
education, training, and health.
K4.13: Labor is a human resource that is used to produce goods and services.
People can earn income by exchanging their human resources (physical or mental work) for wages or
salaries.
MJ SS 2.7: The student will recognize and understand the difference between natural
resources, human resources, and capital resources.
VA SOL 2.8: The student will distinguish between the use of barter and money in the exchange
for goods and services.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS EC.K-4.5: Exchange is trading goods and services with people for other goods and
services or for money. The oldest form of exchange is barter the direct trading of goods and
services between people.
K-4.11: People consume goods and services, not money; money is useful primarily
because it can be used to buy goods and services.
MJ SS 2.8: The student will explain the use of barter and money for goods and services. The
students will understand that barter is the oldest form of exchange.
VA SOL 2.9: The student will explain that scarcity (limited resources) requires people to make
choices about producing and consuming goods and services.
NC CG 6.01: Identify natural resources and cite ways people conserve and replenish natural
resources.
Bennett’s Goals: NA
NSS EC.K-4.1: People make choices because they can’t have everything they want.
Whenever a choice is made, something is given up.
MJ SS 2.9: The student will identify and explain that people cannot have everything they
want, because of limited resources. The student will describe that both producers and
consumers must make choices when dealing with goods and services.
Civics
VA SOL 2.10: The student will explain the responsibilities of a good citizen, with emphasis on
a) respecting and protecting the rights and property of others;
b) taking part in the voting process when making classroom decisions;
c) describing actions that can improve the school and community;
d) demonstrating self-discipline and self-reliance;
e) practicing honesty and trustworthiness.
Bennett’s Goals: Civics instruction focuses on the duties and privileges of citizenship, and voting
and elections.
MJ SS 2.10: The student will understand the responsibilities of a good citizen. The student will
understand how a good citizen
a) respect others
b) demonstrate self-discipline
c) show trustworthiness,
d) and participate in the voting process.
VA SOL 2.11: The student will identify George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B.
Anthony, Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, and Martin Luther King, Jr. as Americans whose
contributions improved the lives of other Americans.
Bennett’s Goals: Students expand their understanding of the past through a study of the lives and
accomplishments of important American leaders (e.g., George Washington, James Madison,
Abraham Lincoln. Susan B. Anthony, and Martin Luther King Jr.) and famous scientists an
inventors (e.g., Benjamin Franklin, the Wright Brothers, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison,
Alexander Graham Bell, and George Washington Carver.
NSS CG: NA
MJ SS 2.11: The student will identify George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B.
Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr., Hellen Keller, Jackie Robinson, the Wright Brothers,
Alexander Graham Bell, and George Washington Carver as Americans who helped
improve the lives of others. The students will explain how these important leaders,
scientists, and inventors affected society with their contributions.
VA SOL 2.12: The student will understand that the United States is a land of people who have
diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and
who are united as Americans by common principles.
Bennett’s Goals: Students explore their own family backgrounds and discuss the customs,
beliefs, and geography of their ancestors’ homelands.
NSS C.K-4.2: What are the benefits of diversity in the United States? How can people work together to
promote the values and principles of American democracy?
MJ SS 2.12: The student will understand that American was and is a nation
of people with diverse backgrounds, customs, and traditions. The student will explain
how individuals in the United States contribute, work together, and are united as Americans.
Conclusion
unity and excellence by creating specific goals for every classroom. Thus, it is important
for all educators to be familiar with state and national standards. This knowledge allows
them to develop quality curriculums based upon proven practices and goals.
References
Students.
Bond, K. (2006). Inspirational Quotes for Teachers and Learners. Retrieved September
http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/vasol/sol.htm.
The Illinois Loop. (2006). Quotes on Education. Retrieved September 18, 2007, from
http://www.illinoisloop.org/quotes.html.
http://www.members.aol.com/mathobservations/mathematics.html
A Model Curriculum for the First 8 Grades: Guidelines From `James Madison
http://bb7.liberty.edu/courses/1/EDUC410_001_200740/content/_1469189_1/s_G
oals.doc?bsession=9749673&bsession_str=session_id=9749673,user_id_pk1=333
97,user_id_sos_id_pk2=1,one_time_token=
The National Academies Press. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from http://www.nap.edu
National Council for the Social Studies. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from
http://www.ncss.org
The National Council of Teachers of English. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from
http://www.ncte.org
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from
http://www.nctm.org
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us
http://www.pen.k12.va.us/go/Sols/home.shtml