NORTH CAROLINA TEACHER EVALUATION INSTRUMENT and PROCESS Standard

NORTH CAROLINA TEACHER EVALUATION INSTRUMENT and PROCESS Standard IV: Teacher Handout North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. William Ward

Standard III Review Standard III: Teachers know the content they teach. A. Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. B. Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty. C. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. D. Teachers make instruction relevant to students.

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. A. Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students: üKnow how students think and learn üUnderstand the influences on student learning and differentiate instruction üKeep abreast of evolving research üAdapt resources to address the strengths and weaknesses of students

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element A: • We need to plan staff development to educate and model for teachers the strategies and research that address differentiation. • Examples of differentiation: – Elementary reading groups that are flexible. (Accomplished) – Teachers in other content areas may differentiate activities according to students’ assessed levels. – Suggestion: Using the literacy workshop model, assess students’ levels during the guided practice portion and adapt the independent practice to address the needed differentiation.

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. B. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students: üCollaborate with colleagues üUse data for short and long range planning üEngage students in the learning process üMonitor and modify plans to enhance student learning üRespond to cultural diversity and learning needs of students

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element B: • The teacher should work with colleagues to develop common assessments. • The teacher should follow established pacing guides and/or work with colleagues to develop pacing guides. • Each teacher should develop age-appropriate lessons that are relevant to 21 st century concepts. • The teacher should make sure that planned activities enrich learning and that he or she is not duplicating activities used in other grades or disciplines.

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. C. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods: üChoose methods and materials as they strive to eliminate achievement gaps üEmploy a wide range of techniques using information and communication technology, learning styles, and differentiated instruction

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element C: • The teacher is expected to use appropriate methods to meet the learning needs of his or her students. • The teacher needs to determine success with assessments and then reteach, differentiate, and/or adapt the lesson as needed. • To be at the Distinguished level, the teacher needs to have an open mind regarding staff development and PLC meetings that address innovative instructional strategies.

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. D. Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction: üKnow appropriate use of technology to maximize student learning üHelp students use technology to learn content, think critically, solve problems, discern reliability, use information, communicate, innovate and collaborate

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element D: • Every Davidson County teacher is given the opportunity to keep abreast of the latest technology to enhance student learning. • The teacher needs to expose students to technology available at the school site. (Examples: Class. Scape, computer lab, mobile lab, document camera, Smart Boards, Discovery Streaming, …)

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. E. Teachers help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills: üEncourage students to ask questions, think creatively, develop and test innovative ideas, synthesize knowledge and draw conclusions üHelp students exercise and communicate sound reasoning; understand connections; make complex choices; and frame, analyze, and solve problems

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element E: • Please note: All areas under Accomplished need to be checked in order for the teacher to be rated at the Accomplished level. • The teacher needs to be prepared to discuss and provide evidence of ways that he or she has engaged students in the actions listed under Accomplished.

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. F. Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities: üTeach the importance of cooperation and collaboration üOrganize learning teams in order to help students define roles, strengthen social ties, improve communication and collaborative skills, interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and develop leadership qualities

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element F: • To move from Developing to Proficient, the teacher should strategically place students in groups and assign roles. • To be Accomplished or Distinguished, the teacher should relinquish control and become a true facilitator in the learning process.

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. G. Teachers communicate effectively: üCommunicate clearly with students in a variety of ways üAssist students in articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element G: • The teacher needs to think about what could go wrong in a lesson and make the appropriate modifications to avoid miscommunication. • The teacher should attend staff development sessions that address the needs of ESL students. • The teacher should ask: – Can my students see from their seats? – Are my directions clear? – Do my students feel comfortable asking questions?

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students. H. Teachers use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned: üUse multiple indicators, both formative and summative, to evaluate student progress üUse assessment systems to inform instruction and demonstrate evidence of students’ 21 st Century knowledge, skills, performance, and dispositions. üProvide opportunities for self-assessment

Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students.

Points to Ponder about Element H: • Each Davidson County teacher has access to an incredible amount of data regarding student achievement. • Taking that data and using it effectively to plan instruction is KEY to attaining the Accomplished and Distinguished levels.

Reminders • To maintain consistency throughout the county, teachers are being trained in the same format for each session of the training • Complete the Pre-Activity for Standard V before returning to the next training session