Getting to Know the EFF Standard Solve Problems and Make Decisions

The EFF Standard Solve Problems and Make Decisions defines one of 16 content areas that make up the EFF Content Framework. Go to Standards for a complete list of the standards. The definition of the Solve Problems and Make Decisions Standard is:

In order to fulfill responsibilities as parents/family members, citizens/community members and workers, adults need to be able to:

  • Anticipate or identify problems.
  • Use information from diverse sources to arrive at a clearer understanding of the problem and its root causes.
  • Generate alternative solutions.
  • Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of alternatives, including potential risks and benefits and short- and long-term consequences.
  • Select alternative that is most appropriate to goal, context, and available resources.
  • Establish criteria for evaluating effectiveness of solution or decision.

This definition was developed as part of an intensive multi-year research and development process that included input from teachers throughout the U.S. as well as content area specialists. More information about the history of this development process can be found in the EFF Assessment Resource Collection.

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