This guide shares information about the South Carolina Curriculum Standards with parents. The standards outline state requirements for children's learning, and what students across the state should be able to do in certain subjects. The guide lists seven key reasons for parents to be aware of the new curriculum standards, and then presents a condensed version of the standards for ninth grade in mathematics (numbers and operation, algebra, data analysis and probability), English/language arts (reading/literature, listening, speaking, writing, research), science (inquiry, life science, earth science, physical science), and social studies (history of the world to 1500: time, continuity, and change; government/political science: power, authority, and governance; geography: people, places, and environments; economics: production, distribution, and consumption). Listed after the standards for each subject area are sample assessment questions for parents to complete with their children, selected book titles for additional reading, and Web site addresses for extended learning. (EV)