Understanding Your Child’s Learning Path

January is a wonderful time to reset routines and refocus on the skills that help young learners thrive. For children in grades K–4, building strong reading habits is one of the most important ways families can support academic growth. Even 10–20 minutes of reading each day helps strengthen vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. Try choosing new books together, visiting your local library, or creating a simple family reading challenge to make reading fun and consistent.

As you refresh your reading routines, it’s also helpful to understand the academic expectations that guide your child’s learning in elementary school. Knowing key terms and standards can help you partner with teachers, support your child’s progress and feel more confident navigating the school experience.

Here are a few important concepts for families to know:

• Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards (AZCCRS): These statewide learning goals ensure all students build strong skills in reading, writing, math and problem-solving.
• English Language Arts (ELA): Reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar taught across multiple subjects. Strong reading habits at home directly support ELA success.
• Average Daily Attendance (ADA): Regular, on-time attendance helps students stay engaged and supports school resources.
• School Accountability Report Card (SARC): Your school’s annual report with information about test scores, class sizes and student achievement.
• Stanford Achievement Test Series (SAT-10): A standardized test some schools use to measure understanding in reading, math and science.
• School Site Council (SSC): A group of parents, educators and school leaders who help guide school improvement goals.

By strengthening reading habits and understanding the expectations that shape your child’s learning path, you can help set a strong foundation for the second half of the school year.

Explore more early learning tools and family resources on the ASU Family website.