The District of Columbia Public Schools has adopted new learning standards for core subjects, including reading/English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The new standards show what students should know and be able to do: (1) in each subject; (2) at each grade level; and (3) in every school. Standards tell all students that is expected of them to succeed in school. This publication guides parents in how to talk to their children's teachers in Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies about the new standards and about how well their children are doing in these subjects in grades 9 through 12.