The State of Iowa requires all teacher preparation programs to assess students’ teaching and content competencies.  In order to be recommended for a teaching license, all students must have demonstrated satisfactory performance across these designated competencies, as defined by their specific licensure area.  Iowa State University uses the same competency standards that are used to evaluate teachers who are currently teaching. The eight standards and forty-two criteria are listed below.

Standard 1
Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for implementation of the school district student achievement goals.

The teacher:
-  Provides evidence of student learning to students, families, and staff.
-  Implements strategies supporting student, building, and district goals.
-  Uses student performance data as a guide for decision-making.
-  Accepts and demonstrates responsibility for creating a classroom culture that supports the learning of every student.
-  Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness.
-  Participates in and contributes to a school culture that focuses on improved student learning.
-  Communicates with students, families, colleagues, and communities effectively and accurately

Standard 2
Demonstrates competence in content knowledge appropriate to the teaching position.

The teacher:
-  Understands and uses key concepts, underlying themes, relationships, and different perspectives related to the content area.
-  Uses knowledge of student development to make learning experiences in the content area meaningful and accessible for every student.
-  Relates ideas and information within and across content areas.
- Understands and uses instructional strategies that are appropriate to the content area.

Standard 3
Demonstrates competence in planning and preparing for instruction.

The teacher:
-  Uses student achievement data, local standards, and the district curriculum in planning for instruction.
-  Sets and communicates high expectations for social, behavioral, and academic success of all students.
-  Uses student developmental needs, background, and interests in planning for instruction.
-  Selects strategies to engage all students in learning.
-  Uses available resources, including technologies, in the development and sequencing of instruction.

Standard 4
Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meet the multiple learning needs of students.

The teacher:
-  Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum.
-  Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive levels.
-  Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student needs.
-  Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional, and academic growth.
-  Connects students’ prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests in the instructional process.
-  Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction.

Standard 5
Uses a variety of methods to monitor student learning.

The teacher:
-  Aligns classroom assessment with instruction.
-  Communicates assessment criteria and  standards to all students and parents.
-  Understands and uses the results of multiple assessments to guide planning and instruction.
-  Guides students in goal setting and assessing their own learning.
-  Provides substantive, timely, and constructive  feedback to students and parents.
-  Works with other staff and building

Standard 6
Demonstrates competence in classroom management.

The teacher:
-  Creates a learning community that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-regulation for every student.
-  Establishes, communicates, models, and maintains standards of responsible student behavior.
-  Develops and implements classroom procedures and routines that support high expectations for student learning.
-  Uses instructional time effectively to maximize student achievement.
-  Creates a safe and purposeful learning environment.

Standard 7
Engages in professional growth.

The teacher:
-  Demonstrates habits and skills of continuous  inquiry and learning.
-  Works collaboratively to improve professional practice and student learning.
-  Applies research, knowledge, and skills from professional development opportunities to improve practice.
-  Establishes and implements professional development plans based upon the teacher’s needs aligned to the Iowa Teaching Standards and district/building student achievement goals.

Standard 8
Fulfills professional responsibilities established by the school district.

The teacher:
- Adheres to board policies, district procedures, and contractual obligations.
- Demonstrates professional and ethical conduct as defined by state law and individual district policy.
- Contributes to efforts to achieve district and building goals.
- Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for all learners and staff.
- Collaborates with students, families, colleagues, and communities to enhance student learning.