Appendix A: Connecticut Common Core of Teaching

Connecticut Common Core of Teaching:
Foundational Skills and Competencies

I. Teachers have knowledge of:

Students
  1. Teachers understand how students learn and develop.
  2. Teachers understand how students differ in their approaches to learning.

Content

  1. Teachers are proficient in reading, writing and mathematics.
  2. Teachers understand the central concepts and skills, tools of inquiry and structures of the discipline(s) they teach.

Pedagogy

  1. Teachers know how to design and deliver instruction.
  2. Teachers recognize the need to vary their instructional methods.

II. Teachers apply this knowledge by

Planning

Teachers plan instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the curriculum and the community.
  1. Teachers select and / or create learning tasks that make subject matter meaningful to students.

Instructing

Teachers establish and maintain appropriate standards of behavior and create a positive learning environment.

  1. Teachers create instructional opportunities that support students' academic, social and personal development.
  2. Teachers use effective verbal, nonverbal and media communications techniques, which foster individual and collaborative inquiry.
  3. Teachers employ a variety of instructional strategies that enable students to think critically, solve problems and demonstrate skills.

Assessing and Adjusting

  1. Teachers use various assessment techniques to evaluate student learning and modify instruction as appropriate.

III. Teachers Demonstrate Professional Responsibility Through

Professional and Ethical Practice

  1. Teachers conduct themselves as professionals in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers (Section 10-145d-400a of the Connecticut Certification Regulations).
  2. Teachers share responsibility for student achievement and well being.

Reflection and Continuous Learning

  1. Teachers continually engage in self-evaluation of the effects of their choices and actions on students and the school community.
  2. Teachers seek out opportunities to grow professionally.

Leadership and Collaboration

  1. Teachers serve as leaders in the school community.
  2. Teachers demonstrate a commitment to their students and a passion

 

Danbury Public Schools
Danbury, Connecticut
revised 2/4/05