TAPS - Reference - Sheet 6-5-14 PDF
TAPS - Reference - Sheet 6-5-14 PDF
Planning
1. Professional Knowledge 2. Instructional Planning
The teacher demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject The teacher plans using state and local school district curricula and
content, pedagogical knowledge, and the needs of students by standards, effective strategies, resources, and data to address the
providing relevant learning experiences. differentiated needs of all students.
• Addresses appropriate curriculum standards and integrates key • Analyzes and uses student learning data to inform planning.
content elements. • Develops plans that are clear, logical, sequential, and integrated
• Facilitates students’ use of higher-level thinking skills in across the curriculum (e.g., long-term goals, lesson plans, and
instruction. syllabi).
• Demonstrates ability to link present content with past and future • Plans instruction effectively for content mastery, pacing, and
learning experiences, other subject areas, and real-world transitions.
experiences and applications. • Plans for instruction to meet the needs of all students.
• Demonstrates accurate, deep, and current knowledge of subject • Aligns and connects lesson objectives to state and local school
matter. district curricula and standards, and student learning needs.
• Exhibits pedagogical skills relevant to the subject area(s) taught and • Develops appropriate course, unit, and daily plans, and is able to
best practice based on current research. adapt plans when needed.
• Bases instruction on goals that reflect high expectations for all
students and a clear understanding of the curriculum.
• Displays an understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional, and
physical development of the age group.
Instructional Delivery
3. Instructional Strategies 4. Differentiated Instruction
The teacher promotes student learning by using research-based The teacher challenges and supports each student’s learning by
instructional strategies relevant to the content to engage students in providing appropriate content and developing skills which address
active learning and to facilitate the students’ acquisition of key individual learning differences.
knowledge and skills.
• Engages students in active learning and maintains interest. • Differentiates the instructional content, process, product, and
• Builds upon students’ existing knowledge and skills. learning environment to meet individual developmental needs.
• Reinforces learning goals consistently throughout the lesson. • Provides remediation, enrichment, and acceleration to further
• Uses a variety of research-based instructional strategies and student understanding of material.
resources. • Uses flexible grouping strategies to encourage appropriate peer
• Effectively uses appropriate instructional technology to enhance interaction and to accommodate learning needs/goals.
student learning. • Uses diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment data to
• Communicates and presents material clearly, and checks for inform instructional modifications for individual students.
understanding. • Develops critical and creative thinking by providing activities at the
• Develops higher-order thinking through questioning and appropriate level of challenge for students.
problem-solving activities. • Demonstrates high learning expectations for all students
• Engages students in authentic learning by providing real-life commensurate with their developmental levels.
examples and interdisciplinary connections.
Learning Environment
7. Positive Learning Environment 8. Academically Challenging Environment
The teacher provides a well-managed, safe, and orderly The teacher creates a student-centered, academic environment in
environment that is conducive to learning and encourages respect which teaching and learning occur at high levels and students are
for all. self-directed learners.
• Responds to disruptions in a timely, appropriate manner. • Maximizes instructional time.
• Establishes clear expectations for classroom rules, routines, and • Conveys the message that mistakes should be embraced as a
procedures and enforces them consistently and appropriately. valuable part of learning.
• Models caring, fairness, respect, and enthusiasm for learning. • Encourages productivity by providing students with
• Promotes a climate of trust and teamwork within the classroom. appropriately challenging and relevant material and assignments.
• Promotes respect for and understanding of students’ diversity, • Provides transitions that minimize loss of instructional time.
including – but not limited to – race, color, religion, sex, national • Communicates high, but reasonable, expectations for student
origin, or disability. learning.
• Actively listens and pays attention to students’ needs and • Provides academic rigor, encourages critical and creative
responses. thinking, and pushes students to achieve goals.
• Creates a warm, attractive, inviting, and supportive classroom • Encourages students to explore new ideas and take academic
environment. risks.
• Arranges the classroom materials and resources to facilitate
group and individual activities.
The contents of this form were developed under a grant from the U. S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily
represent the policy of the U. S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.