Section 500
Policy 510

Educational Services - Instruction

1. Instruction means the teaching methods and practices used to implement the curriculum, and to teach skills for life-long learning, development of character, and safety.

1. Instruction shall be based upon content standards and learning expectations adopted by the Board of Education.
   
   
2. The Board of Education does not prescribe a specific model of instruction to be used by teachers. However, several tenets of learning have been well supported by research and set the framework for instruction in the District:
   
   
   
   1. Students can learn well under appropriate instructional conditions. The assumption that failure is an inevitable part of schooling is rejected.
      
      
   2. The time learners spend on educational tasks is a critical element in effective learning and an important consideration in structuring learning activities.
      
      
   3. Learners in any given classroom will manifest a wide range of abilities and learning styles that must be addressed by an array of instructional methods.
      
      
   4. Learning is enhanced when:
      
      
      
      1. the expectations for achievement are high;
         
         
      2. the learner knows what he/she is expected to learn and why;
         
         
      3. new material is linked to past experiences or familiar past learned information or concepts;
         
         
      4. presentation of information to be learned is followed by a demonstration (modeling) and opportunity for practice;
         
         
      5. rote learning is minimized and "meaning" maximized;
         
         
      6. monitoring and feedback are given throughout practice and work activities, and skills checked while learning is formative;
         
         
      7. practice and transfer theories are applied to instruction;
         
         
      8. success is frequently experienced; praise, encouragement and positive reinforcers promote effective learning.
      
      
      
   5. Research has identified several components of effective teaching that teachers are encouraged to use for instruction.
      
      
      
      1. Teachers should strive to attain a repertoire of teaching strategies;
         
         
      2. Teaching should be based on clearly defined standards;
         
         
      3. Effective teaching practices include but are not limited to:
         
         
         
         1. planning that considers how students learn and methods to use as well as planning the content to be taught;
            
            
         2. consideration of students' entry level skills;
            
            
         3. clarifications to students about what they are expected to learn and why;
            
            
         4. group based presentation that fosters inquiry by students and higher order thinking skills;
            
            
         5. provision for students to practice skills under guided or monitored conditions;
            
            
         6. routine checks (not graded) of skill development for the purpose of prescribing further instruction;
            
            
         7. provision for alternative teaching (correctives and extensions) based upon the skill checks;
            
            
         8. evaluation of student achievement in terms of standards rather than as a comparison against peers or classmates;
            
            
         9. approaches that provide students with successful and rewarding learning experiences;
            
            
         10. classroom management that prevents problems from occurring, that encourages positive behavior and controls negative behaviors, and that minimizes interruptions interfering with student's time on task.
   
   
   ARTICLE 3  - SAFETY INSTRUCTION
   
   
   
   1. When a teacher is assigned to teach a subject or course that poses possible harm or injury to students because of the use of potentially dangerous tools, chemicals or products, the teacher is required to provide safety instruction including, but not limited to:
      
      
      1. Safe use of tools and equipment;
         
         
      2. Use of personal protective devices, including protective eye devices, and wearing of proper, safe clothing;
         
         
      3. Prevention of disease or transmission of infectious agents.
      
      
      
   2. Students shall be instructed and required to wear protective eye devices for any activity that may result in liquids, particles or objects being splashed or hitting an eye.
   
   
   ARTICLE 4  - HONOR AND USE OF FLAG
   
   
   
   1. Each school shall provide an opportunity each school day for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Any person not wishing to participate in the recitation of the Pledge for any reason shall be exempt and need not participate.
      
   
   

   ---

   Use these links only if viewing this page without the left side link panel.  Otherwise use links in panel to the left.
   
   Back to Education Overview
   Back to Job Descriptions - Teacher
   See All Policies