What term best describes the knowledge or skills that students should have acquired by the end of a lesson?

The term that best describes the knowledge or skills that students should have acquired by the end of a lesson is "learning objectives." Learning objectives are specific statements that articulate the expected achievements of students following the completion of an instructional period. They define what students should know and be able to do, providing a clear framework for both teaching and assessment.

Learning objectives are typically formulated to be measurable and achievable, allowing instructors to evaluate whether students have met these expectations. By having well-defined learning objectives, educators can align their teaching strategies and assessment methods with the desired outcomes for student learning.

In contrast, terms like learning outcomes usually refer to the actual results or achievements students attain after the learning process, rather than what is intended at the lesson's start. Skill benchmarks are specific indicators of proficiency but do not encompass the full scope of knowledge intended in learning objectives. Competency standards are broader guidelines that define the essential skills and knowledge in a field but may not align with individual lesson plans as precisely as learning objectives do.