GreatSchools, a non-profit education site for parents, has introduced Milestones, an online collection of free videos aimed at helping parents understand grade-level expectations for grades K-5.

Milestones "show students demonstrating what success looks like in reading, writing and math, grade by grade," according to a press release. 

"There is no better way to gauge how your children are doing in school than to actually see other children their age demonstrate critical skills," said Bill Jackson, chief executive officer and founder of GreatSchools in the release. "These short, accessible videos provide that necessary benchmark. They are a cornerstone of GreatSchools' mission: to help parents get a great education for their children."

According to the press release, GreatSchools worked with Student Achievement Partners, "a nonprofit founded by the lead writers of the Common Core that supports teachers in aligning their instruction to the college and career-readiness expectations of the Standards."

Each Milestones video, the release said, "shows real teachers working with students to demonstrate end-of-the-year grade level expectations in reading, writing, and math. By seeing what success looks like at the end of the year, parents can get a good understanding of their children with their schoolwork."

"National PTA is committed to educating and supporting families as states and schools adapt to Common Core Standards," said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA, a launch partner for Milestones, in the release. "We are pleased to collaborate with GreatSchools and bring the Milestones videos to families nationwide to help ensure they are informed and supportive of their children with their schoolwork."

According to the release, "the Milestones video collection is also a great resource tool for school teachers."

"Educators can share these free videos with parents to help them understand changing academic expectations," the release said. "Each video on the site is also accompanied by relevant worksheets, booklists, and other resources aimed at helping children improve or get ahead."

Here is the introduction video to Milestones:

Here is a direct link to videos for grades K-5. 

Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor