Professional standards for teachers: a case study of professional learning

Abstract

This paper analyses the current Australian policy and research context in relation to developing quality teachers. Like other countries, many educational authorities in Australia are developing professional standards for teachers and the evaluation of teachers against those standards as a mechanism for ensuring and extending the quality of teaching in schools. A key policy consideration involves the use of professional standards as tools for extending professional learning and/or for credentialing and appraisal. This paper considers these uses of standards by drawing on an evaluation of Education Queensland's Professional Standards for Teachers pilot. The pilot focused on using a set of standards as a framework for professional learning. Teachers' perspectives on the standards and their intended use, their engagement with the standards during the pilot and the nature of professional learning associated with that engagement are discussed in light of current policy debates about professional standards.

The power of one? Conditions which challenge managerial professional development practices

“…Such a disposition was also evident in how he construed pressure to do well on league tables as serving as an impetus to encourage teachers 'to deliver stuff well' more generally. Even as external pressures for improved results on league tables are evidence of managerial logics, demands around teaching and teacher standards more generally can be appropriated by educators for educative purposes (Mayer et al, 2005). However, there is also clear recognition that such conditions are also productive of a culture of 'teaching to the test', and of improved test results as the capitals most valued.…”

The Assessment Practices of Pre-service English Language Teachers‟ Performance from the University Supervisors‟ Experiences

“…Several studies have demonstrated how professional teacher standards can define good practice and act as powerful vehicles, useful mechanisms and useful reference points for teaching credentials, appraisals and professional development e.g., [5]- [7]. [8] adds to this debate claiming that a set of professional standards can increase teachers" effectiveness and their public credibility.…”

An Examination of the Qatari Licensure System: Giving Voice to Educators at Government-Funded Schools

“…As commonly defined, professional standards make explicit the knowledge and capabilities of educators, and provide a means by which quality educators can be recognized, rewarded, and celebrated (Mayer et al, 2005). In this way, standards can lift the status of educators in the public perception (Tuinamuana, 2011) and consequently contribute to the professionalism of the profession and the social recognition of educators' skills and commitment to work (Isore, 2009).…”

“…Equally important to the regulation of educators' work is the use of standards as part of a system of professional learning and growth (Mayer et al, 2005). In this way, standards can provide a framework for professional learning that can be used by educators in planning their professional development activities as they advance throughout their careers (Forde et al, 2016).…”