Model Core Teaching Standards Released

August 2, 2010 Leave a comment

Model Core Teaching Standards Released

Standardization seems to be a common theme recently in proposals for improving education.  The Common Core Standards (CCS) for curriculum have been adopted by many States and now a set of model core teaching standards have been released for public comment.  The teaching standards were developed by of members from diverse and respected professional organizations representing elementary and secondary principals, school board members, and teachers and released by the Council for Chief State School Officers.   It is hoped that States and districts will use the model teaching standards to develop polices and programs that prepare, license, support, evaluate, and reward teachers.

The model teaching standards include principles that are clear and shouldn’t be unfamiliar to educators:

  • every student can learn regardless of their ability,
  • teachers must be proficient with the use of assessments in order to make data-informed decisions,
  • technology is an important learning and communication tool,
  • students must have an active role in their own learning, and
  • teachers must collaborate with one another, engage in professional learning, and be held accountable for their actions.

There are ten model core teaching standards which are placed within four categories:

  1. three standards address how a teacher should promote individualized learning,
  2. two standards on understanding content and connecting it to learners,
  3. three standards on instructional practice, and
  4. two standards on professional responsibility.

It is difficult for me to read the teaching standards and to not think of an old existentialist song, “Is That All There Is?”.  The song is the point of view of a person who is disillusioned with events in life that are supposed unique experiences.   The principles and standards have been part of teacher preparation and professional development for many years.  I think the proof of the pudding, as it is in any organization, is in execution.  So the important link will be the development and rigorous implementation of actions that prepare, license, evaluate, and reward not only teachers, but include principals and administrators (including superintendents).

Read the model teaching standards and provide comment at:

http://www.ccsso.org/Resources/Programs/Interstate_Teacher_Assessment_Consortium_(InTASC).html