Developed by
CCSSO’s Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC)

April 2011

InTA SC
Mo de l C ore Te ac h i ng S t a nd a rd s :

A Resource for State Dialog ue

For information about how to obtain copies of this document please visit
http://www.ccsso.org/intasc.

Council of Chief State School Officers
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001-1431
Phone: 202-336-7000
Fax: 202-408-1938

Suggested Citation:

Council of Chief State School Officers. (2011, April). Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Model Core
Teaching Standards: A Resource for State Dialogue. Washington, DC: Author.

Copyright © 2011 by the Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, DC.

The Council of Chief State School Officers is a nonpartisan,
nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who
head departments of elementary and secondary education
in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department
of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state
jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and
technical assistance on major educational issues. The
Council seeks member consensus on major educational
issues and expresses their views to civic and professional
organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 1

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………………………………………………2

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

Summary of Standards ………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

The Learner and Learning

Standard #1: Learner Development ……………………………………………………………………..10

Standard #2: Learning Differences ………………………………………………………………………. 11

Standard #3: Learning Environments …………………………………………………………………… 12

Content Knowledge

Standard #4: Content Knowledge ………………………………………………………………………. 13

Standard #5: Application of Content …………………………………………………………………… 14

Instructional Practice

Standard #6: Assessment ………………………………………………………………………………….. 15

Standard #7: Planning for Instruction …………………………………………………………………… 16

Standard #8: Instructional Strategies …………………………………………………………………… 17

Professional Responsibility

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice ………………………………………… 18

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration ……………………………………………………….. 19

Glossary of Terms ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….20

Reference Chart of Key Cross-Cutting Themes ……………………………………………………………….23

InTASC Model Core Standards Update Committee …………………………………………………………24

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 2

Acknowledgements
InTASC would like to express its sincere appreciation to the National Education Association, the Educational
Testing Service, and Evaluation Systems group of Pearson for providing the funding for this project.

We would also like to offer a special thanks to all the InTASC Core Standards Update Committee members who
enthusiastically volunteered their time and energy to the challenging task of describing what effective teaching
across all content areas and grade levels looks like today. InTASC depends upon the support and input from
practicing teachers, teacher educators, and other education professionals such as those on our committee to
effectively pursue our mission of providing resources to guide state education policy.

Finally, InTASC would like to acknowledge and thank the many national education organizations who worked
with us by nominating committee members and helping us spread the word about these standards. These
organizations include:

• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)

• American Association of School Administrators (AASA)

• American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

• Association of Teacher Educators (ATE)

• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

• National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

• National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)

• National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)

• National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

• National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (NCTAF)

• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

• National Education Association (NEA)

• National School Boards Association (NSBA)

• National Teacher of the Year Program

• Teach for America (TFA)

• Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 3

Introduction
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), through its Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support
Consortium (InTASC), is pleased to offer this set of model core teaching standards that outline what teachers should
know and be able to do to ensure every K-12 student reaches the goal of being ready to enter college or the
workforce in today’s world. These standards outline the common principles and foundations of teaching practice that
cut across all subject areas and grade levels and that are necessary to improve student achievement.

More importantly, these Model Core Teaching Standards articulate what effective teaching and learning looks like in
a transformed public education system – one that empowers every learner to take ownership of their learning, that
emphasizes the learning of content and application of knowledge and skill to real world problems, that values the
differences each learner brings to the learning experience, and that leverages rapidly changing learning environments
by recognizing the possibilities they bring to maximize learning and engage learners. A transformed public education
system requires a new vision of teaching.

A New Vision of Teaching for Improved Student Achievement
The updating of the core teaching standards was driven not only by new understandings of learners and learning
but also by the new imperative that every student can and must achieve to high standards. Educators are now being
held to new levels of accountability for improved student outcomes. These standards embrace this new emphasis

and describe what effective teaching that leads
to improved student achievement looks like.
They are based on our best understanding of
current research on teaching practice with the
acknowledgement that how students learn and
strategies for engaging learners are evolving
more quickly than ever. These standards

promote a new paradigm for delivering education and call for a new infrastructure of support for professionals in
that system. Below are the key themes that run through the updated teaching standards and how they will drive
improved student learning.

Personalized Learning for Diverse Learners
The explosion of learner diversity means teachers need knowledge and skills to customize learning for learners with
a range of individual differences. These differences include students who have learning disabilities and students who
perform above grade level and deserve opportunities to accelerate. Differences also include cultural and linguistic
diversity and the specific needs of students for whom English is a new language. Teachers need to recognize that all
learners bring to their learning varying experiences, abilities, talents, and prior learning, as well as language, culture,
and family and community values that are assets that can be used to promote their learning. To do this effectively,
teachers must have a deeper understanding of their own frames of reference (e.g., culture, gender, language, abilities,
ways of knowing), the potential biases in these frames, and their impact on expectations for and relationships with
learners and their families.

Finally, teachers need to provide multiple approaches to learning for each student. One aspect of the power of
technology is that it has made learners both more independent and more collaborative. The core teaching standards
assign learners a more active role in determining what they learn, how they learn it, and how they can demonstrate

These standards … describe what effective teaching that leads to improved student
achievement looks like.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 4

their learning. They also encourage learners to interact with peers to accomplish their learning goals. In these ways,
the standards embody a vision of teaching that personalizes each learner’s experiences while ensuring that every
learner achieves to high levels.

A Stronger Focus on Application of Knowledge and Skills
Today’s learners need both the academic and global skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the world—attributes
and dispositions such as problem solving, curiosity, creativity, innovation, communication, interpersonal skills, the
ability to synthesize across disciplines, global awareness, ethics, and technological expertise. CCSSO and the National
Governors Association are leading the work on articulating what learners need to know and be able to do. The
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics are benchmarked to international
standards and include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills. As states adopt these
standards, educators throughout the nation will be reexamining what students should know and be able to do
throughout their K–12 education experience.

The core teaching standards describe what
teachers should know and be able to do in
today’s learning context to ensure students
reach these learning goals. For example,
cross-disciplinary skills (e.g., communication,
collaboration, critical thinking, and the use of
technology) are woven throughout the teaching
standards because of their importance for
learners. Additionally, the core teaching standards

stress that teachers build literacy and thinking skills across the curriculum, as well as help learners address multiple
perspectives in exploring ideas and solving problems. The core teaching standards also address interdisciplinary
themes (e.g., financial literacy, civic literacy) and the teacher’s ability to design learning experiences that draw upon
multiple disciplines.

Improved Assessment Literacy
The current education system treats assessment as a function largely separated from teaching. Yet, teachers are
expected to use data to improve instruction and support learner success. The core teaching standards recognize
that, to meet this expectation, teachers need to have greater knowledge and skill around how to develop a range of
assessments, how to balance use of formative and summative assessment as appropriate, and how to use assessment
data to understand each learner’s progress, adjust instruction as needed, provide feedback to learners, and document
learner progress against standards. In addition, teachers need to be prepared to make data-informed decisions at
varied levels of assessment, from once-a-year state testing, to district benchmark tests several times a year, to ongoing
formative and summative assessments at the classroom-level. This work occurs both independently and collaboratively
and involves ongoing learning and reflection.

A Collaborative Professional Culture
Our current system of education tends to isolate teachers and treat teaching as a private act. This is counter to the
way we think about teaching today. Just as collaboration among learners improves student learning, we know that
collaboration among teachers improves practice. When teachers collectively engage in participatory decision-making,

The standards stress that teachers build literacy and thinking skills across the
curriculum [and] help learners address
multiple perspectives in exploring ideas and
solving problems.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 5

designing lessons, using data, and examining student work, they are able to deliver rigorous and relevant learning
for all students and personalize learning for individual students. The core teaching standards require transparency
of practice and ongoing, embedded professional learning where teachers engage in collective inquiry. This includes
participating actively as a team member in decision-making processes that include building a shared vision and
supportive culture, identifying common goals, and monitoring progress toward those goals. It further includes giving
and receiving feedback on practice, examining student work, analyzing data from multiple sources, and taking
responsibility for each student’s learning.

New Leadership Roles for Teachers and Administrators
These core teaching standards set forth new and high expectations for teachers, including around leadership.
Integrated across the standards is the teacher’s responsibility for the learning of all students, the expectation that
they will see themselves as leaders from the beginning of their career and advocate for each student’s needs, and the

obligation to actively investigate and consider
new ideas that will improve teaching and
learning and advance the profession. Leadership
responsibilities are also implicit as teachers
participate in the new collaborative culture.
Teachers are expected to work with and share
responsibility with colleagues, administrators, and
school leaders as they work together to improve
student learning and teacher working conditions.
This includes actively engaging in efforts to build

a shared vision and supportive culture within a school or learning environment, establish mutual expectations and
ongoing communication with families, and involve the community in meeting common goals.

Purpose of this Document

The purpose of this document is to serve as a resource for states, districts, professional organizations, teacher
education programs, teachers, and others as they develop policies and programs to prepare, license, support,
evaluate, and reward today’s teachers. As noted above, a systemic approach and supportive infrastructure are essential
to successful implementation of these standards. In addition to this standards document, CCSSO has also released a
complementary policy discussion document that outlines key considerations, recommendations, and cautions for using
the standards to inform policy. This paper builds off of CCSSO’s Education Workforce white paper (www.ccsso.org/
intasc), which outlines the chiefs’ strategic goals in building an educator development and support system of which
these standards are the first step.

In updating the InTASC model standards, efforts were made to ensure they align with other national and state
standards documents that were recently revised or released. Specifically, this document has been reviewed to ensure
compatibility with the recently-released Common Core State Standards for students in mathematics and English
language arts, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) accomplished teaching core principles,
the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation standards, the National Staff
Development Council (NSDC) (now called Learning Forward) professional development standards, and the Interstate
School Leader Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) 2008 educational leadership policy standards and CCSSO’s companion
document of performance expectations and indicators for education leaders.

Integrated across the standards is the teacher’s responsibility for the learning
of all students [and] the expectation that
they will see themselves as leaders from
the beginning of their career.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 6

Consistency among all these documents ensures a coherent continuum of expectations for teachers from beginning
through accomplished practice, and sets the conditions necessary to support professional growth along this
continuum. It also increases the probability of building aligned systems of teacher development and support that
begin with recruitment and preparation and run through induction, ongoing professional development, accomplished
teaching, and other leadership roles. For a discussion of the implications of these updated standards for teacher policy
and practice across the career continuum, please see the companion policy document (www.ccsso.org/intasc).

About These Standards
This document is an update to INTASC’s Model Standards for Beginning Teacher Licensing and Development:
A Resource for State Dialogue, which were released in 1992. These standards differ from the original standards
in one key respect: These standards are no longer intended only for “beginning” teachers but as professional

practice standards, setting one standard
for performance that will look different
at different developmental stages of the
teacher’s career. What distinguishes the
beginning from the accomplished teacher
is the degree of sophistication in the
application of the knowledge and skills. To

reflect this change in emphasis, InTASC removed “new” from its name and now is called the Interstate Teacher
Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC).

Another key point is that these standards maintain the delineation of knowledge, dispositions, and performances
as a way to probe the complexity of the teacher’s practice. The relationships among the three have been reframed,
however, putting performance first—as the aspect that can be observed and assessed in teaching practice. The others
were renamed. “Essential knowledge” signals the role of declarative and procedural knowledge as necessary for
effective practice and “critical dispositions” indicates that habits of professional action and moral commitments that
underlie the performances play a key role in how teachers do, in fact, act in practice.

Vocabulary choice in the document was deliberate to be consistent with the vision being presented. For example,
wherever possible “student” was replaced with “learner” because learner implies an active role in learning whereas
student could be seen as more passive. Learner also connotes a more informal and accessible role than that of student.
Second, “classroom” was replaced with “learning environment” wherever possible to suggest that learning can occur
in any number of contexts and outside of traditional brick and mortar buildings that classroom and school imply.

The reader of these standards should keep in mind that while each standard emphasizes a discrete aspect of teaching,
teaching and learning are dynamic, integrated and reciprocal processes. Thus, of necessity, the standards overlap and
must be taken as a whole in order to convey a complete picture of the acts of teaching and learning.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that
indicators are examples of how a teacher might
demonstrate each standard. In a performance
assessment of teaching covering several days,
one would not expect the teacher to demonstrate
every indicator—and there may be other
indicators that would provide excellent evidence

for the standard that the committee did not set forth here. Thus, the indicators are not intended to be a checklist, but
rather helpful ways to picture what the standard means.

These standards are no longer intended only for “beginning” teachers but as
professional practice standards.

The indicators are not intended to be a checklist, but rather helpful ways to
picture what the standard means.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 7

Next Steps
Standards can serve three different functions. First, they can serve as a “banner” and lay out a big picture vision
of where we want to go. Second, they can define a specific “bar” or level of performance that must be met. Third,

they can articulate the “opportunity to learn”
supports that must be in place to ensure a
teacher candidate has opportunity to meet the
standards. All three are essential to success.
These Model Core Teaching Standards are the
banner in that their purpose is to describe a
new vision of teaching to which we aspire as
we work to transform our education system to
meet the needs of today’s learners. It is a reform

document designed to help us see and come to consensus on where it is we want to go.

The next step of the work is to take these standards and translate them into a developmental continuum and
performance rubrics that can be used to assess performance at key points along the teacher’s career. Simultaneously,
we must build the infrastructure of accountability and support to match the new vision of teaching. Some of this work
has already begun. We look forward to working with states and partners in developing consensus around this common
core of teaching and moving these standards into practice.

Resources and Research Behind the Standards
The committee drew upon a range of resources in revising the standards. This included key research literature, the
work of states who had already updated their standards, and additional key resources such as books and documents
related to 21st century learning.

In addition to the above, the committee members themselves—teachers, teacher educators, researchers, state policy
leaders—were selected to assure expertise across a range of topics important to the update process. Their expertise
was another key resource in the development of the revised standards.

On the issue of research, InTASC commissioned a review of the literature to capture the current evidence base during
the standards-writing process. Periodic research updates were given to the committee as the standards work was under
way and additional focus areas were added to the review as the committee identified the key ideas grounding its work.
The literature review can be found at the InTASC website (www.ccsso.org/intasc) including summary statements of
what we know and where there are gaps are in the research. CCSSO considers the research base a work in progress
and seeks feedback on the website.

The purpose [of the standards] is to describe a new vision of teaching to
which we aspire as we work to transform
our education system to meet the needs
of today’s learners.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 8

Summary of Updated InTASC Core Teaching Standards
The standards have been grouped into four general categories to help users organize their thinking about the standards:

The Learner and Learning
Teaching begins with the learner. To ensure that each student learns new knowledge and skills, teachers must understand
that learning and developmental patterns vary among individuals, that learners bring unique individual differences to the
learning process, and that learners need supportive and safe learning environments to thrive. Effective teachers have high
expectations for each and every learner and implement developmentally appropriate, challenging learning experiences
within a variety of learning environments that help all learners meet high standards and reach their full potential. Teachers
do this by combining a base of professional knowledge, including an understanding of how cognitive, linguistic, social,
emotional, and physical development occurs, with the recognition that learners are individuals who bring differing personal
and family backgrounds, skills, abilities, perspectives, talents and interests. Teachers collaborate with learners, colleagues,
school leaders, families, members of the learners’ communities, and community organizations to better understand their
students and maximize their learning. Teachers promote learners’ acceptance of responsibility for their own learning and
collaborate with them to ensure the effective design and implementation of both self-directed and collaborative learning.

Standard #1: Learner Development. The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing
that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social,
emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging
learning experiences.

Standard #2: Learning Differences. The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures
and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments

that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Standard #3: Learning Environments. The teacher works with others to create environments that support
individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in
learning, and self motivation.

Content
Teachers must have a deep and flexible understanding of their content areas and be able to draw upon content
knowledge as they work with learners to access information, apply knowledge in real world settings, and address
meaningful issues to assure learner mastery of the content. Today’s teachers make content knowledge accessible to
learners by using multiple means of communication, including digital media and information technology. They integrate
cross-disciplinary skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication) to help learners use content to
propose solutions, forge new understandings, solve problems, and imagine possibilities. Finally, teachers make content
knowledge relevant to learners by connecting it to local, state, national, and global issues.

Standard #4: Content Knowledge. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and
structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline
accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Standard #5: Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing
perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to
authentic local and global issues.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 9

Instructional Practice
Effective instructional practice requires that teachers understand and integrate assessment, planning, and
instructional strategies in coordinated and engaging ways. Beginning with their end or goal, teachers first identify
student learning objectives and content standards and align assessments to those objectives. Teachers understand
how to design, implement and interpret results from a range of formative and summative assessments. This
knowledge is integrated into instructional practice so that teachers have access to information that can be used to
provide immediate feedback to reinforce student learning and to modify instruction. Planning focuses on using a
variety of appropriate and targeted instructional strategies to address diverse ways of learning, to incorporate new
technologies to maximize and individualize learning, and to allow learners to take charge of their own learning and
do it in creative ways.

Standard #6: Assessment. The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners
in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and

to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

Standard #7: Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting
rigorous learning

goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and
pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Standard #8: Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to
encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills
to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Professional Responsibility
Creating and supporting safe, productive learning environments that result in learners achieving at the highest levels
is a teacher’s primary responsibility. To do this well, teachers must engage in meaningful and intensive professional
learning and self-renewal by regularly examining practice through ongoing study, self-reflection, and collaboration.
A cycle of continuous self-improvement is enhanced by leadership, collegial support, and collaboration. Active
engagement in professional learning and collaboration results in the discovery and implementation of better
practice for the purpose of improved teaching and learning. Teachers also contribute to improving instructional
practices that meet learners’ needs and accomplish their school’s mission and goals. Teachers benefit from and
participate in collaboration with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members.
Teachers demonstrate leadership by modeling ethical behavior, contributing to positive changes in practice, and
advancing their profession.

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning
and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and
actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the
needs of each learner.

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and
opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues,
other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 10

Standard #1: Learner Development
The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that

patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive,
linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements

developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Performances

1(a) The teacher regularly assesses individual and group
performance in order to design and modify instruction
to meet learners’ needs in each area of development
(cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical)
and scaffolds the next level of development.

1(b) The teacher creates developmentally appropriate
instruction that takes into account individual learners’
strengths, interests, and needs and that enables each
learner to advance and accelerate his/her learning.

1(c) The teacher collaborates with families, communities,
colleagues, and other professionals to promote learner
growth and development.

critical DisPositions

1(h) The teacher respects learners’ differing strengths
and needs and is committed to using this information to
further each learner’s development.

1(i) The teacher is committed to using learners’
strengths as a basis for growth, and their
misconceptions as opportunities for learning.

1(j) The teacher takes responsibility for promoting
learners’ growth and development.

1(k) The teacher values the input and contributions
of families, colleagues, and other professionals
in understanding and supporting each learner’s
development.

essential KnowleDge

1(d) The teacher understands how learning occurs–
how learners construct knowledge, acquire skills, and
develop disciplined thinking processes–and knows
how to use instructional strategies that promote
student learning.

1(e) The teacher understands that each learner’s
cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical
development influences learning and knows how to
make instructional decisions that build on learners’
strengths and needs.

1(f) The teacher identifies readiness for learning, and
understands how development in any one area may
affect performance in others.

1(g) The teacher understands the role of language and
culture in learning and knows how to modify instruction
to make language comprehensible and instruction
relevant, accessible, and challenging.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 11

Standard #2: Learning Differences
The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse
cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments

that enable each learner to meet high standards.
Performances

2(a) The teacher designs, adapts, and delivers
instruction to address each student’s diverse learning
strengths and needs and creates opportunities for
students to demonstrate their learning in different ways.

2(b) The teacher makes appropriate and timely
provisions (e.g., pacing for individual rates of growth,
task demands, communication, assessment, and
response modes) for individual students with particular
learning differences or needs.

2(c) The teacher designs instruction to build on learners’
prior knowledge and experiences, allowing learners to
accelerate as they demonstrate their understandings.

2(d) The teacher brings multiple perspectives to the
discussion of content, including attention to learners’
personal, family, and community experiences and
cultural norms.

2(e) The teacher incorporates tools of language
development into planning and instruction, including
strategies for making content accessible to English
language learners and for evaluating and supporting
their development of English proficiency.

2(f) The teacher accesses resources, supports, and
specialized assistance and services to meet particular
learning differences or needs.

critical DisPositions

2(l) The teacher believes that all learners can achieve at
high levels and persists in helping each learner reach
his/her full potential.

2(m) The teacher respects learners as individuals with
differing personal and family backgrounds and various
skills, abilities, perspectives, talents, and interests.

2(n) The teacher makes learners feel valued and helps
them learn to value each other.

2(o) The teacher values diverse languages and dialects
and seeks to integrate them into his/her instructional
practice to engage students in learning.

essential KnowleDge

2(g) The teacher understands and identifies differences
in approaches to learning and performance and knows
how to design instruction that uses each learner’s
strengths to promote growth.

2(h) The teacher understands students with exceptional
needs, including those associated with disabilities
and giftedness, and knows how to use strategies and
resources to address these needs.

2(i) The teacher knows about second language
acquisition processes and knows how to incorporate
instructional strategies and resources to support
language acquisition.

2(j) The teacher understands that learners bring assets
for learning based on their individual experiences,
abilities, talents, prior learning, and peer and social
group interactions, as well as language, culture, family,
and community values.

2(k) The teacher knows how to access information about
the values of diverse cultures and communities and
how to incorporate learners’ experiences, cultures, and
community resources into instruction.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 12

Standard #3: Learning Environments
The teacher works with others to create environments that support

individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social
interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Performances

3(a) The teacher collaborates with learners, families, and
colleagues to build a safe, positive learning climate of
openness, mutual respect, support, and inquiry.

3(b) The teacher develops learning experiences that
engage learners in collaborative and self-directed
learning and that extend learner interaction with ideas
and people locally and globally.

3(c) The teacher collaborates with learners and
colleagues to develop shared values and expectations
for respectful interactions, rigorous academic
discussions, and individual and group responsibility for
quality work.

3(d) The teacher manages the learning environment to
actively and equitably engage learners by organizing,
allocating, and coordinating the resources of time,
space, and learners’ attention.

3(e) The teacher uses a variety of methods to engage
learners in evaluating the learning environment and
collaborates with learners to make appropriate adjustments.

3(f) The teacher communicates verbally and nonverbally
in ways that demonstrate respect for and responsiveness
to the cultural backgrounds and differing perspectives
learners bring to the learning environment.

3(g) The teacher promotes responsible learner use of
interactive technologies to extend the possibilities for
learning locally and globally.

3(h) The teacher intentionally builds learner
capacity to collaborate in face-to-face and virtual
environments through applying effective interpersonal
communication skills.

critical DisPositions

3(n) The teacher is committed to working with learners,
colleagues, families, and communities to establish
positive and supportive learning environments.

3(o) The teacher values the role of learners in promoting
each other’s learning and recognizes the importance of
peer relationships in establishing a climate of learning.

3(p) The teacher is committed to supporting learners
as they participate in decision making, engage in
exploration and invention, work collaboratively and
independently, and engage in purposeful learning.

3(q) The teacher seeks to foster respectful communication
among all members of the learning community.

3(r) The teacher is a thoughtful and responsive listener
and observer.

essential KnowleDge

3(i) The teacher understands the relationship between
motivation and engagement and knows how to design
learning experiences using strategies that build learner
self-direction and ownership of learning.

3(j) The teacher knows how to help learners work
productively and cooperatively with each other to
achieve learning goals.

3(k) The teacher knows how to collaborate with
learners to establish and monitor elements of a safe
and productive learning environment including norms,
expectations, routines, and organizational structures.

3(l) The teacher understands how learner diversity can
affect communication and knows how to communicate
effectively in differing environments.

3(m) The teacher knows how to use technologies and
how to guide learners to apply them in appropriate,
safe, and effective ways.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 13

Standard #4: Content Knowledge
The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the

discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects
of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Performances

4(a) The teacher effectively uses multiple
representations and explanations that capture key
ideas in the discipline, guide learners through learning
progressions, and promote each learner’s achievement
of content standards.

4(b) The teacher engages students in learning
experiences in the discipline(s) that encourage learners
to understand, question, and analyze ideas from diverse
perspectives so that they master the content.

4(c) The teacher engages learners in applying methods of
inquiry and standards of evidence used in the discipline.

4(d) The teacher stimulates learner reflection on prior
content knowledge, links new concepts to familiar
concepts, and makes connections to
learners’ experiences.

4(e) The teacher recognizes learner misconceptions
in a discipline that interfere with learning, and creates
experiences to build accurate conceptual understanding.

4(f) The teacher evaluates and modifies instructional
resources and curriculum materials for their
comprehensiveness, accuracy for representing particular
concepts in the discipline, and appropriateness for his/
her learners.

4(g) The teacher uses supplementary resources and
technologies effectively to ensure accessibility and
relevance for all learners.

4(h) The teacher creates opportunities for students to learn,
practice, and master academic language in their content.

4(i) The teacher accesses school and/or district-based
resources to evaluate the learner’s content knowledge in
their primary language.

critical DisPositions

4(o) The teacher realizes that content knowledge is not
a fixed body of facts but is complex, culturally situated,
and ever evolving. S/he keeps abreast of new ideas and
understandings in the field.

4(p) The teacher appreciates multiple perspectives
within the discipline and facilitates learners’ critical
analysis of these perspectives.

4(q) The teacher recognizes the potential of bias in
his/her representation of the discipline and seeks to
appropriately address problems of bias.

4(r) The teacher is committed to work toward each
learner’s mastery of disciplinary content and skills.

essential KnowleDge

4(j) The teacher understands major concepts,
assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of
knowing that are central to the discipline(s) s/he teaches.

4(k) The teacher understands common misconceptions
in learning the discipline and how to guide learners to
accurate conceptual understanding.

4(l) The teacher knows and uses the academic
language of the discipline and knows how to make it
accessible to learners.

4(m) The teacher knows how to integrate culturally relevant
content to build on learners’ background knowledge.

4(n) The teacher has a deep knowledge of student
content standards and learning progressions in the
discipline(s) s/he teaches.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 14

Standard #5: Application of Content
The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing
perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and

collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Performances

5(a) The teacher develops and implements projects that
guide learners in analyzing the complexities of an issue
or question using perspectives from varied disciplines
and cross-disciplinary skills (e.g., a water quality study
that draws upon biology and chemistry to look at
factual information and social studies to examine policy
implications).

5(b) The teacher engages learners in applying content
knowledge to real world problems through the lens
of interdisciplinary themes (e.g., financial literacy,
environmental literacy).

5(c) The teacher facilitates learners’ use of current
tools and resources to maximize content learning in
varied contexts.

5(d) The teacher engages learners in questioning and
challenging assumptions and approaches in order to
foster innovation and problem solving in local and
global contexts.

5(e) The teacher develops learners’ communication
skills in disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts
by creating meaningful opportunities to employ a
variety of forms of communication that address varied
audiences and purposes.

5(f) The teacher engages learners in generating and
evaluating new ideas and novel approaches, seeking
inventive solutions to problems, and developing
original work.

5(g) The teacher facilitates learners’ ability to develop
diverse social and cultural perspectives that expand
their understanding of local and global issues and
create novel approaches to solving problems.

5(h) The teacher develops and implements supports for
learner literacy development across content areas.

critical DisPositions

5(q) The teacher is constantly exploring how to use
disciplinary knowledge as a lens to address local and
global issues.

5(r) The teacher values knowledge outside his/her
own content area and how such knowledge enhances
student learning.

5(s) The teacher values flexible learning environments
that encourage learner exploration, discovery, and
expression across content areas.

essential KnowleDge

5(i) The teacher understands the ways of knowing in his/her
discipline, how it relates to other disciplinary approaches to
inquiry, and the strengths and limitations of each approach
in addressing problems, issues, and concerns.

5(j) The teacher understands how current interdisciplinary
themes (e.g., civic literacy, health literacy, global awareness)
connect to the core subjects and knows how to weave those
themes into meaningful learning experiences.

5(k) The teacher understands the demands of accessing and
managing information as well as how to evaluate issues of
ethics and quality related to information and its use.

5(l) The teacher understands how to use digital and
interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively
achieving specific learning goals.

5(m) The teacher understands critical thinking processes and
knows how to help learners develop high level questioning
skills to promote their independent learning.

5(n) The teacher understands communication modes and
skills as vehicles for learning (e.g., information gathering
and processing) across disciplines as well as vehicles for
expressing learning.

5(o) The teacher understands creative thinking processes
and how to engage learners in producing original work.

5(p) The teacher knows where and how to access resources
to build global awareness and understanding, and how to
integrate them into the curriculum.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 15

Standard #6: Assessment
The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to
engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and

to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
Performances

6(a) The teacher balances the use of formative and
summative assessment as appropriate to support, verify,
and document learning.

6(b) The teacher designs assessments that match learning
objectives with assessment methods and minimizes
sources of bias that can distort assessment results.

6(c) The teacher works independently and collaboratively
to examine test and other performance data to understand
each learner’s progress and to guide planning.

6(d) The teacher engages learners in understanding
and identifying quality work and provides them with
effective descriptive feedback to guide their progress
toward that work.

6(e) The teacher engages learners in multiple ways
of demonstrating knowledge and skill as part of the
assessment process.

6(f) The teacher models and structures processes that
guide learners in examining their own thinking and
learning as well as the performance of others.

6(g) The teacher effectively uses multiple and
appropriate types of assessment data to identify each
student’s learning needs and to develop differentiated
learning experiences.

6(h) The teacher prepares all learners for the demands
of particular assessment formats and makes appropriate
accommodations in assessments or testing conditions,
especially for learners with disabilities and language
learning needs.

6(i) The teacher continually seeks appropriate ways to
employ technology to support assessment practice both
to engage learners more fully and to assess and address
learner needs.

critical DisPositions

6(q) The teacher is committed to engaging learners
actively in assessment processes and to developing
each learner’s capacity to review and communicate
about their own progress and learning.

6(r) The teacher takes responsibility for aligning
instruction and assessment with learning goals.

6(s) The teacher is committed to providing timely
and effective descriptive feedback to learners on
their progress.

6(t) The teacher is committed to using multiple types
of assessment processes to support, verify, and
document learning.

6(u) The teacher is committed to making accommodations
in assessments and testing conditions, especially for
learners with disabilities and language learning needs.

6(v) The teacher is committed to the ethical use of
various assessments and assessment data to identify
learner strengths and needs to promote learner growth.

essential KnowleDge

6(j) The teacher understands the differences between
formative and summative applications of assessment
and knows how and when to use each.

6(k) The teacher understands the range of types and
multiple purposes of assessment and how to design,
adapt, or select appropriate assessments to address
specific learning goals and individual differences, and to
minimize sources of bias.

6(l) The teacher knows how to analyze assessment data
to understand patterns and gaps in learning, to guide
planning and instruction, and to provide meaningful
feedback to all learners.

6(m) The teacher knows when and how to engage
learners in analyzing their own assessment results and in
helping to set goals for their own learning.

6(n) The teacher understands the positive impact of
effective descriptive feedback for learners and knows a
variety of strategies for communicating this feedback.

6(o) The teacher knows when and how to evaluate and
report learner progress against standards.

6(p) The teacher understands how to prepare learners
for assessments and how to make accommodations
in assessments and testing conditions, especially for
learners with disabilities and language learning needs.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 16

Standard #7: Planning for Instruction
The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning

goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and
pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Performances

7(a) The teacher individually and collaboratively selects
and creates learning experiences that are appropriate
for curriculum goals and content standards, and are
relevant to learners.

7(b) The teacher plans how to achieve each student’s
learning goals, choosing appropriate strategies and
accommodations, resources, and materials to differentiate
instruction for individuals and groups of learners.

7(c) The teacher develops appropriate sequencing of
learning experiences and provides multiple ways to
demonstrate knowledge and skill.

7(d) The teacher plans for instruction based on
formative and summative assessment data, prior learner
knowledge, and learner interest.

7(e) The teacher plans collaboratively with professionals
who have specialized expertise (e.g., special educators,
related service providers, language learning specialists,
librarians, media specialists) to design and jointly deliver
as appropriate learning experiences to meet unique
learning needs.

7(f) The teacher evaluates plans in relation to short- and
long-range goals and systematically adjusts plans to meet
each student’s learning needs and enhance learning.

critical DisPositions

7(n) The teacher respects learners’ diverse strengths
and needs and is committed to using this information to
plan effective instruction.

7(o) The teacher values planning as a collegial activity
that takes into consideration the input of learners,
colleagues, families, and the larger community.

7(p) The teacher takes professional responsibility to use
short- and long-term planning as a means of assuring
student learning.

7(q) The teacher believes that plans must always be
open to adjustment and revision based on learner
needs and changing circumstances.

essential KnowleDge

7(g) The teacher understands content and content
standards and how these are organized in the curriculum.

7(h) The teacher understands how integrating cross-
disciplinary skills in instruction engages learners
purposefully in applying content knowledge.

7(i) The teacher understands learning theory, human
development, cultural diversity, and individual
differences and how these impact ongoing planning.

7(j) The teacher understands the strengths and needs
of individual learners and how to plan instruction that is
responsive to these strengths and needs.

7(k) The teacher knows a range of evidence-based
instructional strategies, resources, and technological
tools and how to use them effectively to plan instruction
that meets diverse learning needs.

7(l) The teacher knows when and how to adjust plans
based on assessment information and learner responses.

7(m) The teacher knows when and how to access
resources and collaborate with others to support
student learning (e.g., special educators, related service
providers, language learner specialists, librarians, media
specialists, community organizations).

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 17

Standard #8: Instructional Strategies
The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to

encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their
connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Performances

8(a) The teacher uses appropriate strategies and
resources to adapt instruction to the needs of
individuals and groups of learners.

8(b) The teacher continuously monitors student learning,
engages learners in assessing their progress, and adjusts
instruction in response to student learning needs.

8(c) The teacher collaborates with learners to design
and implement relevant learning experiences, identify
their strengths, and access family and community
resources to develop their areas of interest.

8(d) The teacher varies his/her role in the instructional
process (e.g., instructor, facilitator, coach, audience) in
relation to the content and purposes of instruction and
the needs of learners.

8(e) The teacher provides multiple models and
representations of concepts and skills with opportunities
for learners to demonstrate their knowledge through a
variety of products and performances.

8(f) The teacher engages all learners in developing higher
order questioning skills and metacognitive processes.

8(g) The teacher engages learners in using a range of
learning skills and technology tools to access, interpret,
evaluate, and apply information.

8(h) The teacher uses a variety of instructional strategies
to support and expand learners’ communication through
speaking, listening, reading, writing, and other modes.

8(i) The teacher asks questions to stimulate discussion
that serves different purposes (e.g., probing for learner
understanding, helping learners articulate their ideas
and thinking processes, stimulating curiosity, and
helping learners to question).

critical DisPositions

8(p) The teacher is committed to deepening awareness
and understanding the strengths and needs of diverse
learners when planning and adjusting instruction.

8(q) The teacher values the variety of ways people
communicate and encourages learners to develop and
use multiple forms of communication.

8(r) The teacher is committed to exploring how the use
of new and emerging technologies can support and
promote student learning.

8(s) The teacher values flexibility and reciprocity in the
teaching process as necessary for adapting instruction
to learner responses, ideas, and needs.

essential KnowleDge

8(j) The teacher understands the cognitive processes
associated with various kinds of learning (e.g., critical
and creative thinking, problem framing and problem
solving, invention, memorization and recall) and how
these processes can be stimulated.

8(k) The teacher knows how to apply a range of
developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate
instructional strategies to achieve learning goals.

8(l) The teacher knows when and how to use
appropriate strategies to differentiate instruction
and engage all learners in complex thinking and
meaningful tasks.

8(m) The teacher understands how multiple forms
of communication (oral, written, nonverbal, digital,
visual) convey ideas, foster self expression, and
build relationships.

8(n) The teacher knows how to use a wide variety of
resources, including human and technological, to
engage students in learning.

8(o) The teacher understands how content and
skill development can be supported by media and
technology and knows how to evaluate these resources
for quality, accuracy, and effectiveness.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 18

Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice
The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to

continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her
choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and
the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Performances

9(a) The teacher engages in ongoing learning
opportunities to develop knowledge and skills
in order to provide all learners with engaging
curriculum and learning experiences based on local
and state standards.

9(b) The teacher engages in meaningful and
appropriate professional learning experiences aligned
with his/her own needs and the needs of the learners,
school, and system.

9(c) Independently and in collaboration with colleagues,
the teacher uses a variety of data (e.g., systematic
observation, information about learners, research) to
evaluate the outcomes of teaching and learning and to
adapt planning and practice.

9(d) The teacher actively seeks professional,
community, and technological resources, within and
outside the school, as supports for analysis, reflection,
and problem-solving.

9(e) The teacher reflects on his/her personal biases
and accesses resources to deepen his/her own
understanding of cultural, ethnic, gender, and learning
differences to build stronger relationships and create
more relevant learning experiences.

9(f) The teacher advocates, models, and teaches safe,
legal, and ethical use of information and technology
including appropriate documentation of sources and
respect for others in the use of social media. critical DisPositions

9(l) The teacher takes responsibility for student learning
and uses ongoing analysis and reflection to improve
planning and practice.

9(m) The teacher is committed to deepening
understanding of his/her own frames of reference (e.g.,
culture, gender, language, abilities, ways of knowing),
the potential biases in these frames, and their impact
on expectations for and relationships with learners and
their families.

9(n) The teacher sees him/herself as a learner,
continuously seeking opportunities to draw upon
current education policy and research as sources of
analysis and reflection to improve practice.

9(o) The teacher understands the expectations of the
profession including codes of ethics, professional
standards of practice, and relevant law and policy.

essential KnowleDge

9(g) The teacher understands and knows how to use
a variety of self-assessment and problem-solving
strategies to analyze and reflect on his/her practice and
to plan for adaptations/adjustments.

9(h) The teacher knows how to use learner data to
analyze practice and differentiate instruction accordingly.

9(i) The teacher understands how personal identity,
worldview, and prior experience affect perceptions
and expectations, and recognizes how they may bias
behaviors and interactions with others.

9(j) The teacher understands laws related to learners’
rights and teacher responsibilities (e.g., for educational
equity, appropriate education for learners with
disabilities, confidentiality, privacy, appropriate
treatment of learners, reporting in situations related to
possible child abuse).

9(k) The teacher knows how to build and implement a
plan for professional growth directly aligned with his/her
needs as a growing professional using feedback from
teacher evaluations and observations, data on learner
performance, and school- and system-wide priorities.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 19

Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration
The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for

student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals,
and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Performances

10(a) The teacher takes an active role on the
instructional team, giving and receiving feedback on
practice, examining learner work, analyzing data from
multiple sources, and sharing responsibility for decision
making and accountability for each student’s learning.

10(b) The teacher works with other school professionals
to plan and jointly facilitate learning on how to meet
diverse needs of learners.

10(c) The teacher engages collaboratively in the school-
wide effort to build a shared vision and supportive
culture, identify common goals, and monitor and
evaluate progress toward those goals.

10(d) The teacher works collaboratively with learners
and their families to establish mutual expectations
and ongoing communication to support learner
development and achievement.

10(e) Working with school colleagues, the teacher builds
ongoing connections with community resources to
enhance student learning and well being.

10(f) The teacher engages in professional learning,
contributes to the knowledge and skill of others, and
works collaboratively to advance professional practice.

10(g) The teacher uses technological tools and a variety
of communication strategies to build local and global
learning communities that engage learners, families,
and colleagues.

10(h) The teacher uses and generates meaningful
research on education issues and policies.

10(i) The teacher seeks appropriate opportunities
to model effective practice for colleagues, to lead
professional learning activities, and to serve in other
leadership roles.

10(j) The teacher advocates to meet the needs of
learners, to strengthen the learning environment, and to
enact system change.

10(k) The teacher takes on leadership roles at the
school, district, state, and/or national level and
advocates for learners, the school, the community, and
the profession.

critical DisPositions

10(p) The teacher actively shares responsibility for
shaping and supporting the mission of his/her school
as one of advocacy for learners and accountability for
their success.

10(q) The teacher respects families’ beliefs, norms,
and expectations and seeks to work collaboratively
with learners and families in setting and meeting
challenging goals.

10(r) The teacher takes initiative to grow and develop
with colleagues through interactions that enhance
practice and support student learning.

10(s) The teacher takes responsibility for contributing to
and advancing the profession.

10(t) The teacher embraces the challenge of continuous
improvement and change.

essential KnowleDge

10(l) The teacher understands schools as organizations
within a historical, cultural, political, and social context
and knows how to work with others across the system to
support learners.

10(m) The teacher understands that alignment of family,
school, and community spheres of influence enhances
student learning and that discontinuity in these spheres
of influence interferes with learning.

10(n) The teacher knows how to work with other adults
and has developed skills in collaborative interaction
appropriate for both face-to-face and virtual contexts.

10(o) The teacher knows how to contribute to a
common culture that supports high expectations for
student learning.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 20

Glossary of Terms
This glossary includes only those terms that are helpful to understanding how the InTASC standards have changed,
particularly where new emphases or new understandings are implicated.

Academic Language
Academic language, tied to specific subject area disciplines, captures—through vocabulary, grammar, and
organizational strategies—the complex ideas, higher order thinking processes, and abstract concepts of the discipline.
It is the language used in classrooms, textbooks, and formal presentations in a subject area and differs in structure and
vocabulary from everyday spoken English.

Assessment
Assessment is the productive process of monitoring, measuring, evaluating, documenting, reflecting on, and adjusting
teaching and learning to ensure students reach high levels of achievement. Assessment systems need to include both
formative and summative assessment processes, aligned with instructional and curricular goals and objectives. Formative
assessment findings should be used as a continuous feedback loop to improve teaching and learning. Summative
assessment results should be used to make final decisions about gains in knowledge and skills.

Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and learners that provides a continuous stream of evidence

of learner growth, empowering teachers to adjust instruction and learners to adjust learning to improve student
achievement. Formative assessment requires clear articulation and communication of intended instructional
outcomes and criteria for success, ongoing descriptive feedback, the use of assessment evidence to make
adjustments to teaching and learning, self- and peer-assessment that promote learner awareness of growth and
needed improvement, and a partnership between teachers and learners that holds both parties accountable for
learner achievement and success.

Summative Assessment
Summative assessment is the process of certifying learning at the culmination of a given period of time to evaluate

the extent to which instructional objectives have been met. Examples of summative assessment include end-of-unit
tests, final exams, semester exams, portfolios, capstone projects, performance demonstrations, state-mandated
tests, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and accountability measures (e.g., Adequate
Yearly Progress or AYP).

Collaboration
Collaboration is a style of interaction between individuals engaged in shared decision making as they work toward a
common goal. Individuals who collaborate have equally valued personal or professional resources to contribute and
they share decision-making authority and accountability for outcomes.

Content Knowledge
Content knowledge includes not only a particular set of information, but also the framework for organizing information
and processes for working with it. The traditional definition of content knowledge has been extended in these standards
in three ways. First, it incorporates the notion of “pedagogical content knowledge,” which blends content and effective
instructional strategies for teaching particular subject matter, including appropriate representations and explanations.
Second, it includes connections to other disciplines and the development of new, interdisciplinary areas of focus such as
civic literacy, environmental literacy, and global awareness. Third, the notion of content knowledge is further extended to
include cross-disciplinary skills as tools of inquiry and means to probe content deeply and apply it in real world contexts.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 21

Cross-disciplinary Skills
Cross-disciplinary skills 1) allow learners to probe content deeply (e.g., reading comprehension, critical thinking), 2)
connect academic disciplines to one another (e.g., problem solving), 3) can be applied to and may be used differently
within various fields (e.g., critical thinking in biology vs. critical thinking in literary analysis), and 4) should be taught
explicitly in the context of a given content area (e.g., accessing and interpreting information). These skills include critical
thinking, problem solving, collaboration, effective oral and written communication, accessing and analyzing information,
as well as adaptability, creativity, initiative, and entrepreneurialism.

Cultural Relevance
Cultural relevance is evident through the integration of cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and performance styles
of diverse learners to make learning more appropriate and effective for them; it teaches to and through the strengths of
these learners. Culturally relevant instruction integrates a wide variety of instructional strategies that are connected to
different approaches to learning.

Data and Use of Data
Learner data are factual, evidentiary forms of information about individuals or groups of learners that are collected,
documented, organized, and analyzed for the purpose of making decisions about teaching and learning. Examples
of learner data include, but are not limited to 1) learner demographics and background information, 2) documented
information about learning needs and prior performance, 3) learner class work, homework, and other formal and
informal works produced by the learner, 4) progress charts, records, and anecdotal teacher notes from formative
assessments and/or classroom observations, 5) end-of-unit teacher-developed tests or summative performances and
course grades, and 6) external test scores.

Using data in instructional decision making is a continuous, cyclical process of making instructional decisions based on
the analysis of learner data. Using data to inform instructional decisions involves key processes—assessing, analyzing,
planning, implementing, and reflecting. Data-informed instructional decision making uses data from multiple sources to
understand learning strengths and needs in order to suggest classroom and school-wide instructional solutions. This
same cyclical process can be applied to larger education decisions affecting school climate and school improvement
efforts, with expanded sets of data that may include, for example, teacher evaluation and professional development,
parental involvement, and resource allocation.

Diverse Learners and Learning Differences
Diverse learners and students with learning differences are those who, because of gender, language, cultural
background, differing ability levels, disabilities, learning approaches, and/or socioeconomic status may have academic
needs that require varied instructional strategies to ensure their learning. Learning differences are manifested in
such areas as differing rates of learning, motivation, attention, preferred learning modalities, complexity of reasoning,
persistence, foundational knowledge and skills, and preferred learning and response modes.

Diversity
Diversity is inclusive of individual differences (e.g., personality, interests, learning modalities, and life experiences),
and group differences (e.g., race, ethnicity, ability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, nationality,
language, religion, political affiliation, and socio-economic background).

Inclusive Learning Environment
Inclusive learning environments are welcoming and accepting of each and every learner including those who are
vulnerable to marginalization and exclusion and those who traditionally have been left out or excluded from appropriate
educational and learning opportunities. Inclusion incorporates and expands the concept of inclusion that is most
frequently associated with the goal of equal access to general education for students with disabilities. Inclusive

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 22

approaches embrace diversity; provide access to high-level knowledge, skills, and application for every student; adapt
instruction to meet individual needs; encourage co-teaching and collaboration among general and resource educators;
foster collaboration with families and community members; maintain high expectations of all students; and support
student achievement and growth.

Leadership
Leadership in this document refers to attributes of the teacher that include but are not limited to: 1) a view of the
teacher’s role in education as multifaceted; 2) a keen sense of ethical responsibility to advance the profession while
simultaneously advancing knowledge, skills, and opportunities for each learner; 3) a deep commitment to teaching
that includes a willingness to actively engage in professional development to expand knowledge about teaching and
learning; 4) a willingness to take on the mantle of leadership in the classroom and among colleagues without a formal
title; 5) a recognition of when to lead and when it is appropriate to allow others to lead; 6) knowledge of when and how
to marshal a variety of stakeholders to work toward a common cause; 7) an ability to regularly garner resources, both
human and other, for the betterment of the students and the school; and 8) the ability to make sound decisions based
on the appropriate use and interpretation of quality data and evidence. Teacher leaders function well in professional
communities, contribute to school improvement, and inspire their students and colleagues to excellence.

Learning Environment
A learning environment is a complex setting designed to attend to the learner(s), the context, and the content
simultaneously. Regardless of the setting—whether traditional classroom, community-based, virtual, or other alternative
format—a learning environment must motivate student learning through establishing interest, providing choices,
making relevant connections, building understanding, assessing learning outcomes, developing close teacher-learner
relationships, and creating a sense of belonging between and among learners. Learning environments can be created
in varied settings, and the traditional classroom environment itself can be stretched to become more experiential and
technology-rich. Technology can engage learners with experts and fellow learners around the world, providing access
to authentic problems and real-world applications The development of technology-enriched learning environments can
enable learners to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational
goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

Learning Progressions
Learning progressions are descriptions of increasingly sophisticated ways of thinking about a topic and have
been proposed as solutions to such educational problems as a lack of curricular coherence, developmental
inappropriateness of curricula, misalignment between instruction and assessment, and weaknesses in support
for valued teaching practices. They can support teachers’ formative assessment practices and help teachers use
learners’ prior knowledge in productive ways. By laying out the territory that learners are likely to traverse in coming
to understand a given concept, these tools can help teachers recognize their learners’ misconceptions as productive
steps on the way to full understanding.

Professional Development and Professional Learning
Professional development provides comprehensive, sustained, and intensive learning opportunities to expand the
professional knowledge base available to teachers and to engage them in an ongoing process of critically examining
their teaching practices to find new and more effective ways to improve student learning. Professional development
needs to address both an individual teacher’s goals for professional growth and the larger organizational learning
priorities for school improvement. Professional learning engages teachers in working with others to deepen their
content knowledge, sharpen their instructional skills, and develop their ability to use data for meaningful decision
making. Thus, professional learning is an ongoing, job-embedded process that supports transfer of newly-learned
knowledge and skills to practice. Such learning also needs to be continuously evaluated and refined.

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 23

Reference Chart of Key Cross-Cutting Themes in
Updated InTASC Standards

This chart shows where in the text of the standards certain key themes are
referenced, demonstrating how they have been integrated across the document.

In some instances, the key theme is not explicit but can be inferred.

theme Knowledge Disposition Performance
*Collaboration 3(j), 3(k), 3(i), 5(p), 7(m), 10(l),

10(n)
1(k), 3(n), 3(o), 3(p), 6(q), 6(s),
7(o), 9(l), 10(q), 10(r)

1(c), 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(e), 3(h), 6(c),
7(a), 7(e), 8(b), 8(c), 9(a-d), 10(a-g)

*Communication 3(l), 3(j), 5(n), 6(l), 6(n), 6(o),
8(m), 10(n)

3(q), 3(r), 6(q), 6(s), 8(q) 3(c), 3(e), 3(f), 3(h), 5(e), 6(d), 6(e),
8(h), 8(i), 10(g)

*Creativity/Innovation 5(l), 5(o), 8(j), 8(m) 3(p), 5(s) 5(d), 5(f), 5(g), 8(i), 9(f)

*Critical thinking, problem
solving

4(j), 4(k), 4(l), 5(i), 5(m), 8(j),
8(l), 9(g)

4(p), 4(r), 5(q) 4(b), 4(c), 4(d), 4(e), 4(h), 5(a),
5(b), 5(d), 5(f), 5(g), 6(f), 8(f), 8(g),
8(i), 9(d)

Cultural competence 1(g), 2(g), 2(j), 2(k), 3(i), 4(k),
4(m), 7(i), 8(k), 9(i)

4(o), 8(t), 9(m) 2(d), 3(f), 5(h), 7(c), 9(e)

English language learners 1(g), 2(i), 2(j), 6(p), 7(m), 8(m) 2(o), 6(u) 2(d), 2(e), 4(i), 6(h), 7(e)

Families/Communities 2(j), 2(k), 10(m) 1(k), 2(m), 3(n), 7(o), 9(m),
10(q)

1(c), 2(d), 3(a), 8(c), 9(b), 10(c),
10(d), 10(e), 10(g), 10(k)

Individual differences 1(d-g), 2(g), 2(h), 2(j), 2(k), 3(l),
4(l), 4(m), 6(k), 6(l), 6(m), 6(o),
6(p), 7(i-m), 8(k), 8(l), 9(g),
9(h), 9(i), 9(j)

1(h), 1(i), 1(k), 2(l), 2(m), 2(n),
2(o), 4(r), 6(q), 6(s), 6(u), 7(n),
7(q), 8(p), 8(s), 9(m)

1(a), 1(b), 2(a-f), 2(h), 3(d), 3(f),
4(a), 4(d), 4(e), 4(f), 4(g), 6(c),
6(d), 6(g), 6(h), 6(i), 7(b), 7(c),
7(d-f),8(a), 8(b), 8(d), 8(e), 8(f),
9(a), 9(c), 9(e),10(a). 10(b)

Interdisciplinary themes 5(j) 5(q-s) 5(c), 5(b), 5(e)

Leadership 1(c), 3(k), 5(p), 7(l), 7(m), 8(l),
8(n), 9(i), 9(j), 10(l-o)

1(j), 3(n), 4(p), 5(q), 6(r), 6(v),
7(o), 7(p), 8(s), 9(m), 9(n),
10(p-t)

2(f), 3(a), 3(c), 3(d), 4(g), 5(d), 5(g),
6(c), 6(e), 6(f), 7(a), 7(e), 8(c), 8(d),
9(a-f), 10(a-k)

*Multiple perspectives 5(i), 5(j), 5(n), 5(p), 9(i), 7(h),
10(l), 10(m)

4(p), 5(r), 6(t) 2(d), 3(e), 4(b), 5(a), 5(b), 5(d),
5(e), 5(g)

Professional learning 6(j-p), 7(f), 7(k), 8(k), 8(n), 8(o),
9(g-k)

4(o), 4(p), 4(q), 5(q), 5(r), 6(t),
8(p), 9(l-o), 10(r), 10(s), 10(t)

6(a), 6(c), 6(g), 6(i), 8(g), 9(a-f),
10(f), 10(h)

Student-directed learning 3(i), 3(k), 5(m), 6(m) 3(n), 3(o), 3(p), 6(q), 6(s), 10(q) 3(b), 3(c), 5(d), 5(f), 6(f), 8(b), 8(c)

Teacher responsibility 3(m), 5(l), 9(j), 9(k), 10(o) 1(j), 4(o), 4(q), 5(r), 6(r), 6(t),
6(u), 6(v), 7(p), 9(l-o), 10(p),
10(r), 10(s)

3(c), 3(g), 5(h), 9(e), 9(f)

*Technology 3(j), 3(m), 5(k), 5(l), 7(k), 8(n),
8(o), 10(n)

8(q), 8(r) 3(g), 3(h), 4(g), 5(c), 6(i), 8(g), 9(d),
9(f),10(e), 10(g)

Use of data to support
learning

5(k), 6(j-p), 7(l), 8(n), 8(o), 9(g),
9(h), 9(k)

6(q-v), 7(q), 8(s), 9(l) 2(d), 5(c), 5(f), 6(a-i), 8(b), 8(d),
8(g), 9(c), 9(f), 10(a-c)

*Cross-disciplinary skills

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards 24

InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards Update Committee

• Richard Allan, Vice President, Evaluation Systems group of Pearson

• Katherine Bassett, Director, Educator Relations Group, Educational Testing Service (Teacher of the
Year – New Jersey)

• Victoria Chamberlain, Executive Director, Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

• Pamela Coleman, Director of Teacher Education and Licensure, Kansas State Department of Education

• Lynne Cook, Professor of Special Education, California State University, Dominguez Hills

• Manuel Cox, Lead Teacher, Engineering Academy for Student Excellence (EASE), American High
School (NBCT)

• Nadene Davidson, Interim Head, Department of Teaching, University of Northern Iowa (NBCT)

• Sydnee Dickson, Director, Teaching and Learning, Utah State Office of Education

• Karen Huffman, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Educator Quality, West Virginia Department
of Education

• Maria Hyler, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park (NBCT)

• Susan Johnsen, Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Director of the PhD
Program, School of Education, Baylor University

• Carlene Kirkpatrick, Instructional Coach, DeKalb County School System (NBCT)

• Jean Miller, Consultant, Council of Chief State School Officers

• Antoinette Mitchell, Interim Dean, School of Education, Trinity Washington University

• Gwen Wallace Nagel, Director, Iowa Learning Online, Iowa Department of Education

• Richelle Patterson, Senior Policy Analyst, Teacher Quality Department, National Education
Association

• Irving Richardson, Coordinator for Public Education and School Support NEA-NH (Teacher of the
Year – Maine)

• Maria del Carmen Salazar, Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction Morgridge College of
Education, University of Denver

• Theodore Small, 5th grade teacher, Clark County School District, Nevada

• Afi Y. Wiggins, PhD Candidate, Research Statistics and Evaluation, Curry School of Education,
University of Virginia

NBCT – National Board Certified Teacher

Mary Diez, Co-Chair
Dean, School of Education, Alverno College

Kathleen Paliokas, Director
InTASC, Council of Chief State School Officers

Peter McWalters, Co-Chair
Consultant, Commissioner of Education, Rhode Island (retired)

David Paradise, Senior Associate
InTASC, Council of Chief State School Officers

Council of Chief State School Officers
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20001-1431 | voice: 202.336.7000 | fax: 202.408.8072

1. Facilitate and inspire student learning
and creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter,
teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate
experiences that advance student learning,
creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face
and virtual environments.

a. Promote, support, and model creative
and innovative thinking and inventiveness

b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues
and solving authentic problems using digital
tools and resources

c. Promote student reflection using collaborative
tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual
understanding and thinking, planning, and
creative processes

d. Model collaborative knowledge construction by
engaging in learning with students, colleagues,
and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

2. Design and develop digital age
learning experiences and assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate
authentic learning experiences and assessments
incorporating contemporary tools and resources
to maximize content learning in context and
to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes
identified in the Standards•S.

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences
that incorporate digital tools and resources to
promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning
environments that enable all students to pursue
their individual curiosities and become active
participants in setting their own educational
goals, managing their own learning, and
assessing their own progress

c. Customize and personalize learning activities
to address students’ diverse learning styles,
working strategies, and abilities using digital
tools and resources

d. Provide students with multiple and varied
formative and summative assessments aligned
with content and technology standards, and use
resulting data to inform learning and teaching

3. Model digital age work and learning
Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work
processes representative of an innovative
professional in a global and digital society.

a. Demonstrate fluency in technology systems
and the transfer of current knowledge to new
technologies and situations

b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents,
and community members using digital tools
and resources to support student success and
innovation

ISTE Standards
Teachers

International Society for
Technology in Education

Effective teachers model and apply the ISTE Standards for Students (Standards•S) as they design, implement, and assess
learning experiences to engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models
for students, colleagues, and the community. All teachers should meet the following standards and performance indicators.

http://www.

iste.org/standards

c. Communicate relevant information and ideas
effectively to students, parents, and peers using
a variety of digital age media and formats

d. Model and facilitate effective use of current
and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze,
evaluate, and use information resources to
support research and learning

4. Promote and model digital citizenship
and responsibility
Teachers understand local and global societal
issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital
culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in
their professional practices.

a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal,
and ethical use of digital information and
technology, including respect for copyright,
intellectual property, and the appropriate
documentation of sources

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by
using learner-centered strategies providing
equitable access to appropriate digital tools
and resources

c. Promote and model digital etiquette and
responsible social interactions related to the
use of technology and information

d. Develop and model cultural understanding and
global awareness by engaging with colleagues
and students of other cultures using digital age
communication and collaboration tools

iste.org/standards

5. Engage in professional growth
and leadership
Teachers continuously improve their professional
practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit
leadership in their school and professional
community by promoting and demonstrating
the effective use of digital tools and resources.

a. Participate in local and global learning
communities to explore creative applications
of technology to improve student learning

b. Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision
of technology infusion, participating in shared
decision making and community building, and
developing the leadership and technology skills
of others

c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and
professional practice on a regular basis to
make effective use of existing and emerging
digital tools and resources in support of student
learning

d. Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-
renewal of the teaching profession and of their
school and community

Standards•T © 2008 International Society for Technology in Education.

ISTE® is a registered trademark of the International Society
for Technology in Education.

If you would like to reproduce this material, please contact
permissions@iste.org.

http://www.iste.org/standards

mailto:permissions@iste.org

Planning 21st Century Professional Development Template

Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current technologies and situations. [ISTE-T 3a]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. [ISTE-T 3b]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats. [ISTE-T 3c]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning. [ISTE-T 3d]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others. [ISTE-T 5b]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community. [ISTE-T 5d]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness through the exploration of real-world issues and solving authentic problems by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital age ethical communication, collaboration, and participation in local and global communities [ISTE-T 1d, 4d, 5a; InTASC 2(k), 3(b), 3(g), 3(m), 9(d)]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Implement safe, effective classroom management strategies to increase meaningful student engagement. [InTASC 3(k)

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Design learning experiences using strategies that increase student engagement, build learner self-direction, and ownership of learning, based on the relationship between motivation and engagement. [InTASC 3i]

PD Opportunity:

Ongoing Support:

Reflection

© 2015. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.