West Des Moines Community School District
Sample Data Points for Iowa Teaching Standards
Generated by Second Year Teachers and Mentors
Standards and Data Points (Evidence)
1. DEMONSTRATES ABILITY TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND SUPPORT FOR AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT GOALS.
The teacher:
a. Provides evidence of student learning to students, families, and staff.
b. Implements strategies supporting student, building, and district goals.
c. Uses student performance data as a guide for decision making.
d. Accepts and demonstrates responsibility for creating a classroom culture that supports the learning of every student.
e. Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness.
f. Participates in and contributes to a school culture that focuses on improved student learning.
g. Communicates with students, families, colleagues, and communities effectively and accurately.
A) IEP/graphing; progress reports; mid-terms
B) Lesson plans; reading strategies; observation notes; e-mail
C) Running records; benchmarks; pre-tests; time on task observation; probes
D) Study guides; goal setting; photos
E) Character Counts activities; posted class rules; notes on student dialogs; self-checks on expectations
F) Agenda from SIT, collab. team; records of extra help for students; BAT notes
G) LV page; newsletter; phone log; e-mail; notes; invitations for feedback; conf. notes; meeting notes; newsletters
* Evaluator’s observation notes may address some of these criteria
2. DEMONSTRATES COMPETENCE IN CONTENT KNOWLEDGE APPROPRIATE TO THE TEACHING POSITION.
The teacher:
a. Understands and uses key concepts, underlying themes, relationships, and different perspectives related to the content area.
b. Uses knowledge of student development to make learning experiences in the content area meaningful and accessible for every student.
c. Relates ideas and information within and across content areas.
d. Understands and uses instructional strategies that are appropriate to the content area.
A) Video; lesson plans; observation and feedback notes; study guides
B) Test and assignment modifications; IEPs; running records; benchmarks; ABC assessments; cum folders; leveling in reading and math
C) Theme-based centers; ID units; curriculum maps
D) Memory devices; mind mapping; graphic organizers; specific vocabulary; cooperative learning activities; technology; lesson plans; observation notes; multiple intelligence activities
* Evaluator’s observation notes may address some of these criteria
3. DEMONSTRATES COMPETENCE IN PLANNING AND PREPARING FOR INSTRUCTION.
The teacher:
a. Uses student achievement data, local standards and the district curriculum in planning for instruction.
b. Sets and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral, and academic success of all students.
c. Uses student developmental needs, background, and interests in planning for instruction.
d. Selects strategies to engage all students in learning.
e. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the development and sequencing of instruction.
A) Benchmarks; running records; IEPs; Item analysis (ITBS) for your class; list of skill-based groups for guided reading; corrective readings
B) Posted rules; Character Counts lessons; class meetings; handbooks; notes on student conferences; school announcements
C) Surveys; interest inventories; flexible grouping; lesson plans
D) Flexible groups; games; student portfolio; multiple intelligences; learning centers
E) Powerpoint; leveled books; community speakers; manipulatives; software; newspaper
A-E) Lesson and unit plans; curriculum maps
* Evaluator’s observation notes may address some of these criteria
4. USES STRATEGIES TO DELIVER INSTRUCTION THAT MEETS THE MULTIPLE LEARNING NEEDS OF STUDENTS.
The teacher:
a. Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum.
b. Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive levels.
c. Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student needs.
d. Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional, and academic growth.
e. Connects students' prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests in the instructional process.
f. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction.
A) Staff development; units; states objective at beginning of lesson; closure; observation notes
B) Guided reading strategies; multiple intelligence lessons; thinking skills lessons
C) Checks for understanding; flexible groups; writers’ workshop; alternative plans; reteaching; adjusted/revised lesson plans; notes to self or sub
D) Field trip reflections; I-Care; notes about extra work with students; speakers; PAA notes; I-I conferences
E) KWL activities; student surveys; reading strategies-connections
F) Demonstrates Net search; photos; print screen; data proj. presentations; overhead calculator
* Evaluator’s observation notes may address some of these criteria
5. USES A VARIETY OF METHODS TO MONITOR STUDENT LEARNING.
The teacher:
a. Aligns classroom assessment with instruction.
b. Communicates assessment criteria and standards to all students and parents.
c. Understands and uses the results of multiple assessments to guide planning and instruction.
d. Guides students in goal setting and assessing their own learning.
e. Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students and parents.
f. Works with other staff and building and district leadership in analysis of student progress.
A) Pre/post test; running records; authentic assessment; lesson and unit plans; student work samples
B) Evaluation results; ITBS results; newsletters; e-mail; Open House; conference handout; progress reports
C) Anecdotal records; portfolios; pre/post tests
D) Self-evaluations; portfolio reflections; self monitor point sheets
E) Grade updates; e-mail; phone logs; notes from I-I discussions; progress reports; p-t conferences; comments on students’ papers
F) Contact w/counselors; AEA meetings; team logs; collaborative team notes; dept. or grade level meeting notes; writing assessment and scoring 4 & 8
* Evaluator’s observation notes may address some of these criteria
6. DEMONSTRATES COMPETENCE IN CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT.
The teacher:
a. Creates a learning community that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-regulation for every student.
b. Establishes, communicates, models and maintains standards of responsible student behavior.
c. Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support high expectations for learning.
d. Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.
e. Creates a safe and purposeful learning environment.
A) Character Counts; expectations posted; planners; room arrangements; 4 levels of redirection; self and peer evaluation; class meetings
B) Incentives; criteria sheets for projects; follows rules
C) Folder for make-up work; planner; assignment syllabus; behavior contract; flexible grouping; literature circles; roles
D) Schedule posted; time-on-task notes; opening/closing activities; centers; preferential seating
E) Room arrangement diagram; 504 plans; digital photo; lab rules posted; fire exit signs
* Evaluator’s observation notes may address some of these criteria
7. ENGAGES IN PROFESSIONAL GROWTH.
The teacher:
a. Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous inquiry and learning.
b. Works collaboratively to improve professional practice and student learning.
c. Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional development opportunities to improve practice.
d. Establishes and implements professional development plans based upon the teacher needs aligned to the Iowa Teaching Standards and district/building student achievement goals.
A) 360 feedback; transcripts; mentor training; weekly professional development meetings; professional readings list; listserve of professional organizations
B) Grade level, dept., team, collaboration notes; mentoring
C) Lesson and unit plans; sharing at meetings; team meeting notes; teach staff or parents; curriculum mapping; evaluator’s observation notes
D) Staff Development Menu record of courses taken; personal goal; Professional Growth Plan
8. FULFILLS PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ESTABLISHED BY THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. The teacher:
a. Adheres to board policies, district procedures, and contractual obligations.
b. Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and individual district policy.
c. Contributes to efforts to achieve district and building goals.
d. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all learners and staff.
e. Collaborates with students, families, colleagues, and communities to enhance student learning.
A) Arrives on time; attends Mentor/New Teacher meetings
B) Absence of negative documentation; letter to parents if absent from Open House or P-T Conferencing
C) Collaborative team notes; committee notes; lesson and unit plans; evaluator’s observation notes
D) Collaboration notes; notes on conversations; 360 feedback; observation notes
E) E-mail, newsletters, LV page, phone logs, parent notes; attend activities