Kentucky Overall Professional Growth and Effectiveness System (OPGES)

1a: Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy

In order to guide student learning, accomplished teachers have command of the subjects they teach.

1b: Demonstrating Knowledge of Students

Teachers don't teach content in the abstract; they teach it to students.

1c: Setting Instructional Outcomes

Teaching is a purposeful activity; even the most imaginative activities are directed towards certain desired learning.

1d: Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources

Student learning is enhanced by a teacher's skillful use of resources; some of these are provided by the school as "official" materials; others are secured by teachers through their own

1e: Designing Coherent Instruction

Designing coherent instruction is the heart of planning, reflecting the teacher's knowledge of content and the students in the class, the intended outcomes of instruction, and the available resources.

1f: Designing Student Assessments

Good teaching requires both assessment of learning and assessment for learning.

2a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport

An essential skill of teaching is that of managing relationships with students and ensuring that those among students are positive and supportive.

2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning

A "culture of learning" refers to the atmosphere in the classroom that reflects the educational importance of the work undertaken by both students and teacher.

2c: Managing Classroom Procedures

A smoothly functioning classroom is a prerequisite to good instruction and high levels of student engagement.

2d: Managing Student Behavior

In order for students to be able to engage deeply with content, the classroom environment must be orderly; the atmosphere must feel businesslike and productive, without being

2e: Organizing Physical Space

The use of the physical environment to promote student learning is a hallmark of an experienced teacher.

3a: Communicating with Students

Teachers communicate with students for several independent, but related purposes.

3b: Questioning and Discussion Techniques

Questioning and discussion are the only instructional strategies specifically referred to in the framework for teaching; this fact reflects their central importance to

3c: Engaging Students in Learning

Student engagement in learning is the centerpiece of the framework for teaching; all other components contribute to it.

3d: Using Assessment in Instruction

Assessment of student learning plays an important role in instruction; no longer does it signal the end of instruction; it is now recognized to be an integral part of instruction.

3e: Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness

"Flexibility and responsiveness" refers to a teacher's skill in making adjustments in a lesson to respond to changing conditions.

4a: Reflecting on Teaching

Reflecting on teaching encompasses the teacher's thinking that follows any instructional event

4b: Maintaining Accurate Records

An essential responsibility of professional educators is keeping accurate records of both instructional and non-instructional events.

4c: Communicating with Families

Although the ability of families to participate in their child's learning varies widely due to other family or job obligations, it is the responsibility of teachers to

4d: Participating in a Professional Community

Schools are, first of all, environments to promote the learning of students.

4e: Growing and Developing Professionally

As in other professions, the complexity of teaching requires continued growth and development in order to remain current.

4f: Showing Professionalism

Expert teachers demonstrate professionalism in service both to students and to the profession.