February 1998 -- Reformatted 8/01

Professional Teaching Standards for Secondary Science Teachers (7-12)

A highly accomplished science teacher has a command of subject matter and plans and implements inquiry-based science as a foundation for the program.

• selects and adapts instructional resources, including technology, laboratory and community resources, and creates his/her own resources to support active student explorations of science in alignment with district frameworks.
• develops short-term and year-long goals for students.
• selects science content and adapts and designs curricula to meet the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities, and experiences of students.
• selects teaching and assessment strategies that support the development of student understanding.
• exhibits a broad and current knowledge of science and science education.
• creates opportunities for students to examine the human contexts of science and to make connections across the disciplines and into other subject areas.
• recognizes and pursues the “teachable moment.”

A highly accomplished science teacher guides and facilitates learning.  The teacher designs and manages a learning environment that provides students with the time, space and resources needed for learning science.

• focuses and supports inquiries while interacting with students.
• facilitates sharing among students about scientific ideas and experiences.
• challenges students to accept and share responsibility for their own learning by employing scientific thinking and processes.
• recognizes and responds to student diversity and encourages all students to participate fully in science learning.
• encourages and models the skills of scientific inquiry, as well as the enthusiasm, curiosity, openness to new ideas and data, and skepticism that characterize science.
• helps students experience science not as an absolute, but as a process which progresses through the establishment of consensus based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• structures time available so that students are able to engage in extended investigations.
• ensures a safe physical and emotional working environment that is flexible and supportive of science inquiry.
• makes the available science tools, materials, media, and technological resources accessible to students.

A highly accomplished science teacher engages in on-going assessment of his/her teaching and of student learning.

• identifies and communicates clear expectations for students prior to assignment/assessment.
• uses assessment to guide teaching.
• uses results of assessment, observations of teaching, and interactions with colleagues to reflect on and improve teaching practice.
• uses district frameworks to align curricular goals with assessment.
• uses multiple assessment methods to systematically gather data about student understanding and ability.
• guides students in self-assessment.

A highly accomplished science teacher works collaboratively with other professionals and families to serve the best interests of students and the community.

• uses student data, observations of learning, and interactions with colleagues for reporting student achievement and learning opportunities to students, teachers, parents, policy makers and the general public.
• keeps open two-way lines of communication with parents.
• identifies and uses resources from outside the school when appropriate.
• involves students in science-related activities that have an altruistic motive.

A highly accomplished science teacher actively contributes to the intellectual life of the school and the community.

• plans and develops the school science program in alignment with district frameworks.
• participates in decisions concerning the allocation of time and other resources to the science program.
• participates in planning and implementing professional growth and development strategies for themselves and their colleagues.
• participates as an active member of the science learning community, for example, membership in professional science organizations, and attendance at conferences and workshops.