The cornerstone of Achieve’s work on standards is clearly defining what students should know and be able to do at different grade levels. The focus of our work is to ensure that all students are ready for college or careers when they graduate. The American Diploma Project benchmarks (2004) define what students should know and be able to do by the end of high school.

Now, Achieve has mapped out what students need to know and be able to do in mathematics in grades K – 12, seamlessly connecting the expectations throughout the grades with those for the end of high school. These benchmarks outline a progression of mathematics content throughout grades K – 12 that will ensure that students master the content needed to succeed in college and careers.

Similarly, in English language arts, Achieve has mapped out what students need in grades 4 – 12. Organized into grade spans, these benchmarks will show how English and communication content and skills progress and inter-relate with each other.

States and districts can use these benchmarks as a tool to help align standards and curricula with the demands of the real world. In this section you'll find:

• The American Diploma Project benchmarks for the end of high school;
• Achieve's Mathematics Benchmarks, K – 12;
• Achieve's English and Communication Benchmarks, 4 – 12