Solutions
Power Standards™
Clarity. Focus. Instruction That Actually Sticks.
Bring Clarity to Curriculum with Essential Power Standards™
In many schools, educators are overwhelmed by lengthy standards documents that leave little room for depth, mastery, or meaningful learning. When everything feels important, instructional focus is lost—and students pay the price.
Power Standards(™), a trademarked approach developed by Creative Leadership Solutions (CLS), which helps schools identify the most essential learning expectations students must master to succeed at the next level. The result is sharper instruction, stronger alignment, and better outcomes for all learners.
From Overloaded Standards to Clear Instructional Priorities
- Collaboratively analyze state or district standards with educators
- Apply proven criteria to identify essential Power Standards (™)
- Establish vertical alignment across grade levels and content areas
- Clarify what must be taught deeply vs. what can be reinforced
- Connect Power Standards(™) to instruction, assessment, and pacing
Why Schools Choose Power Standards™
- Brings clarity and focus to curriculum and instruction
- Reduces instructional overload and initiative fatigue
- Improves consistency across classrooms and schools
- Supports equity by prioritizing essential learning for all students
- Creates a foundation for stronger assessments and interventions
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does the identification process take?
The process requires a minimum of two days. However, CLS works with the client to best determine a plan whether it be on professional learning days, during the summer, or teacher team meetings. We want to minimize substitute coverage as we engage teachers in important and necessary work.
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Is CLS known for supporting Power Standards™ identification and implementation?
Absolutely. The company owns a trademark for Power Standards™.
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Is there a process for identifying Power Standards™?
Yes. First, we start with the standards and criteria- leverage, readiness, and endurance. Rigor of the standard is also an important part of the identification.
Related Resources
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Leadership DevelopmentFive Professional Learning Transformations for a Post-COVID World
As schools continue to recover from the tragedy of a global pandemic, they can look to new opportunities emerging amidst the trauma and grief. These opportunities include a return to the primacy of relationships among adults and students, the abandonment of ineffective practices such as inspirational monologues without meaningful interaction, and dramatic improvements in professional learning. To realize the latter, educators need to drive toward five transformations in professional learning. Although we have long known the inadequacies of traditional approaches to PD, the constraints imposed on schools by the pandemic create a sense of urgency that should make us intolerant of such ineffective practices.
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Power Standards
Too Many Standards? My Four Answers
WELL BEFORE the global pandemic caused a wave of school building closures and consequent learning losses, teachers complained there were too many standards for student learning. The problem was that, however well-intentioned and thoughtfully designed, state standards all su!er from the same faulty assumption: Students need only one year of learning. That assumption always has been questionable, but after students in 2020 lost at least six months of learning (and many would argue they lost more), teachers in 2021 are facing students who may be two years or more behind their current grade level. The idea of teaching and assessing three years of learning in a single year is preposterous. Fortunately, some practical solutions are available.
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Equity and Excellence
Finishing the Race
Every marathon runner knows the feeling. At the starting gate, the crowds are cheering and you feel invincible.
Focus on what matters. Let us help you grow.
Our experts have decades of experience in K-12 education and administration and are dedicated to delivering personalized and differentiated learning opportunities to help your team grow.
