Case Study Outline 

 The materials in this case study are a combination of authentic public domain documents and simulated documents that were created specifically for the case study that draw on authentic research and data from government and scholarly sources, and from the opinions of experts in the field.

The mention of “your state” is a generic reference intended to be inclusive for any background.  Scenario

Your state is considering a required set of education standards that all schools must adopt. You have been nominated to serve on the statewide committee to inform the legislature as to which standards, if any, should be adopted. You will have the opportunity to take a stand on the following issue; does a set of required standards improve or limit education for all students (e.g., general education students, special education, English language learners, gifted learners) in state schools? 

Consider the following questions: How can standards be implemented to improve the quality of education for all students in all levels, and types, of classrooms (e.g., general education, special education, vocational)? Is it more effective to adopt district standards, state-specific standards, or national standards?

Once you decide which standards to adopt, what materials, supports, and training will be needed to implement them? How do different stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, government leaders, principals, teachers with various specialties and points of view, students, parents) feel about the issue of standards adoption and implementation?

Stakeholders

•        The State Department of Education

•        School administrators

•        Teachers

•        Students

•        Parents

•        Educational specialists

•        Politicians

•        Business leaders

•        Employers

•        Advocacy groups

•        The community at large