THE CALIFORNIA TEACHING STANDARDS IN THE CONTEXT OF TEACHING IN CALIFORNIA

Professional educators in the State of California are serving the most diverse population of students in the history of education. This diversity among students can greatly enrich and enliven the educational experience. There is a critical need for teachers who are responsive to the diverse cultural, racial, religious, ethnic, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of all students. The California Standards for the Teaching Profession support the creation of inclusive classrooms in which diverse students with varying learning styles and abilities are engaged and challenged as learners. The standards reflect an expectation that the education of diverse students is likely to be most productive when teachers use effective pedagogical principles and practices in all subject areas.

The standards also value the diversity of teachers' backgrounds, perspectives, skills, knowledge, and practices. Teaching is not a profession in which a single approach to professional practice will be effective for all practitioners. Although the standards articulate a common vision of excellence in teaching, different teachers have different ways to fulfill the standards effectively. By respecting the diverse ways in which teachers pursue excellence in professional practice, schools enrich and enhance the education of diverse students.

The teaching standards are organized around six interrelated categories of teaching practice. The six standards are:

  • Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
  • Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
  • Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning
  • Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
  • Assessing Student Learning
  • Developing as a Professional Educator

 

 

 

Date last updated: November 20, 2009

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