Curriculum standards refer to a set of guidelines or benchmarks that define what students should know, understand and be able to do in terms of academic content at different grade levels. These standards are developed by educational organizations, government agencies or other bodies responsible for education policy-making, with the aim of ensuring consistency and quality in teaching and learning across schools and districts. They provide a framework for designing and implementing lesson plans, assessments and evaluations that align with specific academic goals and objectives. By setting clear expectations for what students should learn at each grade level, curriculum standards help to ensure that all students receive an equitable education, regardless of their location or socio-economic background.