Below are summary statements of the standards for beginning foreign language teachers.These statements are detailed in the full document.

Principle #1:Content Knowledge.Language teachers are proficient in the language they teach.They understand language as a system, how students learn a language, and how language and culture are linked.They are knowledgeable about the cultures of the people who speak the language.Using this knowledge, they create learning experiences that help students develop language proficiency and build cultural understanding.

Principle #2:Learner Development.Language teachers understand how students learn and develop and can relate this to their development of language proficiency and cultural understanding.They provide learning experiences that are appropriate to and support learners’ development.

Principle #3:Diversity of Learners.Language teachers understand how learners differ in their knowledge, experiences, abilities, needs and approaches to language learning, and create instructional opportunities and environments that are appropriate for the learner and that reflect learner diversity.

Principle #4:Instructional Strategies.Language teachers understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to help learners develop language proficiency, build cultural understanding, and foster critical thinking skills.

Principle #5:Learning Environment.Language teachers create an interactive, engaging, and supportive learning environment that encourages student self-motivation and promotes their language learning and cultural understanding.

Principle #6:Communication.Language teachers use effective verbal and non-verbal communication, and multi-media resources, to foster language development and cultural understanding.

Principle #7:Planning for Instruction.Language teachers plan instruction based on their knowledge of the target language and cultures, learners, standards-based curriculum, and the learning context.

Principle #8:Assessment.Language teachers understand and use a variety of assessment strategies to monitor student learning, to inform language and cultural instruction, and to report student progress.

Principle #9:Reflective Practice and Professional Development.Language teachers are reflective practitioners who continually evaluate the effects of their choices and actions on others and who actively seek out opportunities to grow professionally.

Principle #10:Community.Language teachers foster relationships with school colleagues, families, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well-being.

For the full text go to www.ccsso.org/intasc.html.