Definition: Teachers have good communication skills and can ensure the students have the information needed to learn.
Elements Within the Component:
Purpose for Learning and Criteria for Success
Teachers communicate the goals and objectives of learning activities and outline an instructional pathway for students to meet the established criteria for success.
Specific Expectations
Student actions during each step of learning activities are clearly and effectively communicated with specific expectations articulated and reinforced throughout.
Explanations of Content
Content knowledge is scaffolded and presented in multiple, engaging ways with frequent, integrated checks for student understanding.
Use of Academic Language
Verbal and written content-related language used by teachers and students is academically rigorous, accurate, and subject and grade appropriate.
Example: The teacher explains passive solar energy by inviting students to think about the temperature in a closed car on a cold but sunny day or by the water in a hose that has been sitting in the sun.