The Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework amplifies the Standards of Learning and defines the content knowledge, skills, and understandings that are measured by the Standards of Learning tests. The Curriculum Framework provides additional guidance to school divisions and their teachers as they develop an instructional program appropriate for their students. It assists teachers as they plan their lessons by identifying essential understandings, defining essential content knowledge, and describing the intellectual skills students need to use. This supplemental framework delineates in greater specificity the minimum content that all teachers should teach and all students should learn.

School Divisions should use the Curriculum Framework as a resource for developing sound curricular and instructional programs. This curriculum framework should not limit the scope of instructional programs. Additional knowledge and skills that can enrich instruction and enhance students' understanding of the content identified in the Standards of Learning should be included as part of quality learning experiences.