Conceptual understanding expresses key relationships between important  ‘big ideas’ that are relevant beyond the classroom and across time and place. They are revisited a number of times at different grade levels using different illustrative content.

Competency learning can be shown in a concise statement of what a learner is able to do as a result of mastering a particular concept. Competency standards always begin with ‘Learners are able to…’ which allows us to set the context for individual learning and see how it fits into the bigger picture.

A character standard identifies a learning disposition or personal value. Character standards allow us to recognize and develop the traits more likely to support the students in becoming independent learners and global citizens.