Step 1: Deconstructing the Standards
Deconstructing is the process of taking a broad standard and analyzing its components, then breaking the standard into smaller, more explicit instructional learning targets for use in daily teaching and classroom-level assessment.
Steps in the Deconstructing Process:
- Identify the action required of the learner.
- Identify the content in the standard.
Example:
The standard shown below will be used to demonstrate the five-step process of developing instructional learning targets:
Grade 4, Reading Standard 2 for Informational Text
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is
supported by key details; summarize the text.
The following questions are key to the deconstructing process: Identify the Action: What does the student need to be able to do? |
The graphic below provides an example of the deconstructed Grade 4 standard:
|
Action |
Content |
Determine |
the main idea in a text |
Explain |
how it is supported by key details |
Summarize |
the text |
Select the link to view the Graphic Organizer in progress: Graphic Organizer: Step 1

View additional examples of deconstructed standards from other grade levels or content areas:
Deconstructed CCSS Examples