This handbook for parents begins with an overview of academic standards: how Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's standards compare to standards set at the state, national, and international levels; how parents can use standards to help their children; and how parents will know if their children's work meets these standards. The handbook goes on to present a third grader's response-to-reading assignment, then offers a rubric that teachers could use to rate students' work. The handbook discusses reading and writing at all grades, offering a sidebar which examines guidelines for student writing (journal, personal story, fictional story, response-to-reading, informational, creative, report, and persuasive writing). The final section presents grade level academic expectations, focusing on what students should be learning in various areas of communication (reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills). (SM)