Last Updated: April 15th, 2024

We’re excited to share an upcoming enhancement to our class creation and editing process. The Outschool team designed these attributes to highlight the unique educational approaches of your classes. In other words, we want you to help you shine!

This update introduces an optional step that allows educators to specify the curriculum and standards their class aligns with, provided they’ve intentionally designed their class around them. 

In this post, we’re sharing who this is for, how it works, and how to use it in your class listings.

Which classes use these attributes?

With the new feature, when you create or edit a class related to Math, English, Science, or Social Studies, you can indicate if you designed your class to align with certain curricula or educational standards. Educators who use a specific curriculum or who create classes based on their state or country’s standards will now have the ability to share that information with families. And families are already looking for this information!

While this step is optional and meant to reflect deliberate curriculum choices or standards alignment in your course design, it also benefits families and educators. Families who use state funding, such as ESAs, charter schools, or homeschoolers may have requirements to use those funds. Including the curriculum and standards you’re using can help make the search easier and quicker for these families.

How does it work?

This feature provides clarity and confidence to parents and learners searching for classes. By specifying the curriculum and standards your course aligns with, you make it easier for your class to be discovered by those looking for specific educational approaches or goals. 

There are a couple of options available when you select the Subject on a class listing:

For Math, English, Science, and Social Studies

Select from widely recognized curricula like Saxon Math, IEW, College Board Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and more. If your curriculum isn’t listed, you can choose the “Other” option and enter your curriculum. Having your curriculum visible allows families to find the classes they are interested in quickly. Sharing this information also provides additional insights into your teaching methodologies, which can help families make informed decisions.

Standards

Do you create lessons based on a specific set of standards? Now you can share that information with families! Indicate if your class aligns with standards such as Common Core (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS), and many more.

With this information, families can easily search for classes that align with their state or national standards without having back-and-forth conversations with multiple educators. Keep in mind that this is especially helpful for families who are searching for 1-on-1 tutoring!

Again, “Other” is available for anything not listed.

We’re not stopping there! In addition to the curriculum and standards class attributes, parents and learners will soon see badges or indicators on class details and search pages, highlighting the curriculum and standards you select. This visibility empowers them to choose classes that best match their educational needs and values.

You’re in control

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about the update, we want you to know that we understand that every educator has a unique approach to course design. This feature is entirely optional and was created to enhance your ability to attract learners looking for specific educational experiences. If your class design doesn’t align with the provided options, there’s no pressure to use this feature.

We value your input

If you’re using a curriculum or aligning with standards not listed, please let us know through the “Other” option. Your feedback is crucial in helping us create a platform that supports and reflects the diverse educational landscape.

We’re thrilled to roll out this feature and see how it helps connect your fantastic educational offerings with eager learners worldwide. Your dedication to education inspires us daily, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.