Within the stem grid, the gold mini tiles represent the major standards within the framework that require intensive focus. They are likely to be the most emphasized on standards-aligned assessments. The blue tiles are the supporting standards that assist students in strengthening those major areas of emphasis. This color coding helps teachers quickly identify power standards.
The color-coded mini tiles represent a stem. A stem is simply a way of asking a question, or the way a question is formatted. Each tile represents a different question stem or a different way of asking a question within the standard listed on the tile.