Performance Standards - Definition & Meaning

Performance standards are predefined criteria or benchmarks used to assess how well individuals or entities (such as students, schools, or teachers) have met specific educational or performance-related goals or expectations. Performance standards provide a clear and objective basis for evaluating performance and determining whether established goals have been achieved.

In education, performance standards are often associated with assessments and evaluations. For example:

• Student Assessments: Performance standards define the level of achievement or proficiency that students are expected to reach on standardized tests or assessments.
  
• Teacher Evaluations: Performance standards may be used to assess and rate the effectiveness of teachers based on their classroom practices, student outcomes, and instructional strategies.
  
• School Accountability: Schools may be held accountable based on performance standards, which measure factors like student achievement, graduation rates, and other educational indicators.
  

Performance standards are typically set based on educational goals, curriculum expectations, and research-based best practices. They help ensure that assessments and evaluations are fair, consistent, and aligned with educational objectives.