Standard 6

The teacher almost always uses precise, correct and effective verbal and nonverbal communication.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• Teacher is exceptionally articulate
• Teacher’s communication is consistently clear.
• Teacher models highly effective nonverbal and verbal forms of communication
• Teacher uses language with great precision

A student might say this teacher:

• gives clear, precise explanations
• is someone who is almost always easy to understand what they are talking about
• talks slowly enough for us to understand
• gives clear instructions

The teacher consistently communicates with sensitivity to student diversity. Strategies employed may include, addressing the needs of students whose first language is not Standard English, using gender-neutral language, accommodating various cultural backgrounds, accommodating physical disabilities (e.g., visual, hearing, mobility), or phrasing communication in different ways so that students with different intellectual abilities may understand.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• Teacher very effectively uses many strategies in communications with students that show sensitivity to cultural, gender, intellectual, and physical differences
• Teacher helps students communicate respectfully for cultural, gender, intellectual, and physical differences

The teacher almost always supports and expands student expression in speaking, writing or other media.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• Teacher almost always provides opportunities for students’ effective expression
• Teacher consistently scaffolds students to use age-appropriate effective communication
• Teacher provides accurate, timely feedback on student expression
• Teacher consistently requires students to answer in full sentences
• Teacher requires students to evaluate the effectiveness of their own communication

A student might say this teacher:

• expects us to use proper, full sentences in class discussions
• corrects us when we do not speak or write properly
• helps us write better
• helps us speak better

The teacher almost always uses technology and media tools to communicate effectively.

In the classroom, this might look like:

• Teacher almost always uses and models technology and media communication tools with students and parents
• Teacher provides strong learning activities that require students to use innovative technology/media tools to effectively communicate with each other