What does "curriculum alignment" ensure?

Curriculum alignment ensures that there is a coherent connection between what is taught in the classroom and the expected standards for assessment. This means that the instructional strategies and learning activities are directly aligned with the criteria used to measure student understanding and performance.

When curriculum alignment is effectively implemented, educators can design their lessons, assignments, and assessments so that they not only cover the necessary content but also prepare students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills according to specific learning standards. This process facilitates a more focused educational experience that supports student learning outcomes.

While maximizing student grades, consistent teaching methods, and a standardized curriculum might be goals of education, they do not capture the essence of curriculum alignment as it specifically pertains to aligning teaching practices with assessment standards. Therefore, the correct understanding of curriculum alignment focuses on ensuring that the instruction provided effectively prepares students for the assessments they will encounter, thus supporting their overall achievement in a targeted manner.