State of Iowa Teaching Standard 1

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

1. Provides evidence of student learning to students, families, and staff.
   
   Data Source: Kindergarten Conference Report (pdf) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 1
       
       Justification: Provides evidence of students learning to families and staff.
2. Implements strategies supporting student, building, and district goals.
   
   Data Source: Literature Used in 1st and 2nd Grade General Music (html) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 2
       
       Justification: Curriculum and teaching strategy includes literature and reading in the general music classroom in order to use literature as a source for music material to teach musical concepts. In this way, music is enriched through literature and literature is enriched through music. Reading concepts connected to music instruction include but not limited to "left to right", syllabication, rhythmical reading (reading with flow), and word identification.  As a result, reading is fostered and encouraged in the music room. Student, building, and district goals that this strategy incorporates include improved reading and reading comprehension.
3. Uses student performance data as a guide for decision making.
   
   Data Source: Student Work: Black Beard Composition (pdf) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 3-4
       
       Justification: This is an example of student work early in 3rd grade to assess student ability in composing and writing rhythms.  The decision process included not needing to spend more time in this lesson with rhythmic composition as all students wrote rhythms correctly and used required rhythmic values.  Following students' demonstrated ability to compose and write rhythms, students then applied them to pitched and non pitched percussion. View lesson plan here: Black Beard Lesson Plan (pdf) Hard Copy: Standard 5 page 1-4
4. Accepts and demonstrates responsibility for creating a classroom culture that supports the learning of every student.
   
   Data Source: Kindergarten Circle Spots (html) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 5
   Cross Reference: 2nd Grade Lesson Plan Week 9 (pdf) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 6-7
       
       Justification: Kindergarten "circle spots" is a strategy used in the Kindergarten homerooms to develop personal space.  In music class, students stand under a spot in the initial steps of movement exploration.  Because "circle spots" are used in their homerooms and music, transitions during classes and between classes are more familiar.  Development, practice, understanding, and respecting personal space and body awareness is the theme of music activities in the first two weeks of school and practiced throughout their studies in music.  This supports the learning of every student in the room by defining and respecting personal space in order to establish a respectful learning environment where everyone can learn. This also supports the learning of every student by establishing a safe environment during movement activities which are used to internalize music concepts and skills.
5. Creates an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness.
   
   Data Source: Music Room Expectations (html) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 5
       
       Justification: Expectations posted are discussed and practiced throughout the course of the year as necessary.  A check mark system is used as consequences for inappropriate behavior and is aligned with Mark Twain's warnings for discipline by providing a progression of warnings and various levels of consequences.  If inappropriate behavior is consequenced, a students name is written on board; followed by check marks for each additional prompt.  After 3 check marks, students owe 5 minutes of music time for each additional check mark.  This allows for a progression of warnings and consequences for students to correct behavior and to aid in creating a fair and respectful environment.
6. Participates in and contributes to a school culture that focuses on improved student learning.
   
   Data Source: Kindergarten Spotlight Night (pdf) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 8-9
       
       Justification: Participation of school culture includes music representation during Spotlight Nights in order to communicate with staff and parents the skills and concepts studied in music throughout the year.  Page one of the Kindergarten music performance includes skills and concepts demonstrated by the students.  Page two lists skills and concepts taught in general music at the Kindergarten level throughout the year.
7. Communicates with students, families, colleagues, and communities effectively and accurately.
   
   Data Source: Communication Log (pdf) Hard Copy: Standard 1 page 10
      
       Justification: Log shows communication with guardians during Fall semester of 2006.