What are the standards used to base learning goals on called?

The correct answer is "Anchors in PSSA." Anchors in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) refer to specific standards that serve as reference points for measuring student learning and performance. These anchors are designed to define what students should know and be able to do at particular grade levels, guiding both instruction and assessment. They help ensure that educational goals are aligned with state standards and provide a clear framework for educators when developing lesson plans and assessing student progress.

While educational benchmarks, learning objectives, and curriculum standards are also related concepts, they serve different roles in the educational framework. Educational benchmarks often indicate levels of achievement within a learning standard, while learning objectives are more specific statements that articulate expected outcomes for a lesson. Curriculum standards encompass broader educational goals that are set by educational authorities, but the anchors in PSSA specifically link assessment to defined state standards, making them critical in shaping learning goals in Pennsylvania.