What is defined as the common course of study dictating the subjects taught at different grade levels?

The term that refers to the common course of study dictating the subjects taught at different grade levels is curriculum. A curriculum outlines the educational framework provided by schools that specifies the topics and content areas to be covered throughout educational courses. It guides teachers in planning lessons and ensures a cohesive learning experience across various classes and grade levels.

In the context of education, while other terms like "essential standards" focus on key learning goals within the curriculum, and "objectives" refer to specific learning outcomes desired from a lesson or unit, they do not encompass the full range of subjects and instructional content that the term curriculum does. "Standard Course of Study" may suggest a level of uniformity, but it is not the widely recognized term used for the overall organization of teaching materials and content across academic programs. Thus, curriculum serves as the comprehensive framework that encapsulates all subjects and grade-level expectations throughout the educational system.