5. Learning Environment

The competent teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Knowledge Indicators

The competent teacher:	Data Source	Artifact(s)
5A. understands principles of and strategies for effective classroom management.
5B. understands how individuals influence groups and how groups function in society.
5C. understands how to help students work cooperatively and productively in groups.
5D. understands factors that influence motivation and engagement and how to help students become self-motivated.
5E. knows procedures for inventorying the instructional environment to determine when and how best to meet a student’s individual needs.
5F. knows applicable statutes, rules and regulations, procedural safeguards, and ethical considerations regarding planning and implementing behavioral change programs for individuals with disabilities.
5G. knows strategies for intervening in situations to prevent crises from developing or escalating.
5H. knows environmental arrangements that promote positive behavior and learning for students with diverse learning characteristics.

Performance Indicators

The competent teacher:	Data Source	Artifact(s)
5I. maintains proper classroom decorum.
5J. maximizes the amount of class time spent in learning by creating expectations and processes for communication and behavior along with a physical setting conducive to achieving classroom goals.
5K. uses strategies to create a smoothly functioning learning community in which students assume responsibility for themselves and one another, participate in decision-making, work collaboratively and independently, use appropriate technology, and engage in purposeful learning activities.
5L. analyzes the classroom environment and makes decisions to enhance social relationships, students’ motivation and engagement in productive work through mutual respect, cooperation, and support for one another.
5M. organizes, allocates, and manages time, materials, and physical space to provide active and equitable engagement of students in productive tasks.
5N. engages students in and monitors individual and group learning activities that help them develop the motivation to achieve.
5O. demonstrates a variety of effective behavior management techniques appropriate to the needs of all students, including those with disabilities (including implementing the least intrusive intervention consistent with the needs of these students).
5P. modifies the learning environment (including the schedule and physical arrangement) to facilitate appropriate behaviors and learning for students with diverse learning characteristics.
5Q. uses a variety of approaches to promote social interaction between students with disabilities and students without disabilities.
5R. uses effective methods for teaching social skill development in all students.

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