The Teaching and Learning Department in Davis School District plays a critical role in guiding what students learn, thanks to a well-defined set of standards that direct teaching and ensure every student receives a quality education.
Led by Director TJ Strain, the Teaching and Learning Department focuses on creating a seamless, aligned educational experience for students, centered on essential knowledge and skills. Here’s how learning standards impact your student’s day-to-day learning and where to access more information.
What Are Learning Standards?
Learning standards are the core concepts and skills that our students need to know and be able to demonstrate by the end of each school year. They provide a roadmap for teachers to guide student learning in a focused direction, ensuring that all classrooms across the district are aligned with the same priorities. Davis School District's standards are derived from Utah's State Core Standards.
Davis School District goes a step further with these standards, organizing them into what we call DESK standards: Dispositions, Essential Skills and Knowledge. These are the priority standards that serve as the foundation for teaching in each subject. With the support of content supervisors, teacher teams at each school level translate these standards into practical lessons and learning experiences.
Standards vs. Curriculum
A common question is how standards differ from curriculum. Think of standards as the journey – they define the goals for what students should achieve. Curriculum, on the other hand, is the vehicle that teachers use to meet those standards. Whether it’s a textbook, digital resources or other materials, every curriculum tool is carefully chosen to align with the district and state standards. This ensures that students are on the right path toward mastering essential skills and knowledge.
Where Can You Find Standards Information?
Parents interested in learning more about the standards that guide their student’s classes are encouraged to reach out directly to their child's teacher or to their child's school. However, below are several other resources available:
Utah State Office of Education Website – This site provides easy access to the state-level standards for each content area.
Davis School District Website – On the district site, you can find local standards information by clicking on “Menu” and then selecting “Academics.”
Contact the Teaching and Learning Department – If you have specific questions, feel free to reach out by calling (801) 402-5140 or by emailing DSD curriculum at dsdmail.net.
With the support of these standards, we are committed to helping each student reach their potential and prepare for whatever comes next in their educational journey.