Standard 2 - Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning

Teachers promote social development and responsibility within a caring community where each student is treated fairly and respectfully. They create physical or virtual learning environments that promote student learning, reflect diversity, and encourage constructive and productive interactions among students. They establish and maintain learning environments that are physically, intellectually, and emotionally safe. Teachers create a rigorous learning environment with high expectations and appropriate support for all students. Teachers develop, communicate, and maintain high standards for individual and group behavior. They employ classroom routines, procedures, norms, and supports for positive behavior to ensure a climate in which all students can learn. They use instructional time to optimize learning.

2.4 Creating a rigorous learning environment with high expectations and appropriate support for all students

As teachers develop, they may ask, “How do I…” or “How might I…” 

• establish a productive, achievement-oriented climate in my classroom?
• set high expectations for all my students?
• motivate all students to initiate their own learning and strive for challenging learning goals?
• provide all students opportunities to examine and evaluate their own work and to learn from the work of their peers?
• ensure access to challenging and diverse academic content for all students?