What is the purpose of a standards-based curriculum map?

Answer 1

One purpose is to assure that all of the necessary standards that are tested by the state are covered.  The other purpose is to help align curriculum vertically and horizontally. This means that all of the teachers in the same grade (8th for example) are teaching the same standards at the same time.  That way, if a student transfers schools, they won't miss out on any of the standards taught.  Also, as in the case of our district, there are various assessments done at the different grade levels that are done to evaluate student progress on standards before they get to the state test, so there is a chance to remediate students in areas where they're deficient.

Answer 2

All (or most, I guess) states have learning standards that must be met across subjects for each grade level.  By creating a curriculum that is based on those standardss then teacher's can ensure that they will meet those standards. Basically, standards are broad long-term goals and a curriculum maps outline the topics that must be covered to reach those goals.