Common use of Descriptions Clause in Contracts

Descriptions. Each of the four final Professional Practice Ratings – Unsatisfactory, Basic, Proficient and Distinguished – are defined in general terms to illustrate the continuum of possible performance relative to the rigorous professional teaching standards outlined in the South Dakota Framework for Teaching.  Unsatisfactory: A teacher performing at the Unsatisfactory level does not appear to understand the underlying concepts represented by the Framework for Teaching. Performance at this level requires significant intervention and coaching to improve the teacher’s performance.  Basic: A teacher performing at the Basic level appears to understand the Framework conceptually but struggles to implement the standards into professional practice. Performance at this level is generally considered minimally competent for teachers early in their careers and improvement is expected to occur with experience.  Proficient: A teacher performing at the Proficient level clearly understands the concepts represented by the Framework and implements them well. Teachers performing at this level are qualified in the craft of teaching and work to continually improve practice.  Distinguished: A teacher performing at the Distinguished level is a master teacher and makes a contribution to the field, both inside and outside the classroom. While all teachers strive to attain Distinguished-level performance, this level is considered difficult to attain consistently.

Descriptions. Each of the four final Professional Practice Ratings – UnsatisfactoryUNSATISFACTORY, BasicBASIC, Proficient PROFICIENT and Distinguished DISTINGUISHED – are defined in general terms to illustrate the continuum of possible performance relative to the rigorous professional teaching standards outlined in the South Dakota Framework for Teaching.  • Unsatisfactory: A teacher performing at the Unsatisfactory UNSATISFACTORY level does not appear to understand the underlying concepts represented by the Framework for Teaching. Performance at this level requires significant intervention and coaching to improve the teacher’s performance.  • Basic: A teacher performing at the Basic BASIC level appears to understand the Framework conceptually but struggles to implement the standards into professional practice. Performance at this level is generally considered minimally competent for teachers early in their careers and improvement is expected to occur with experience.  • Proficient: A teacher performing at the Proficient PROFICIENT level clearly understands the concepts represented by the Framework and implements them well. Teachers performing at this level are qualified in the craft of teaching and work to continually improve practice.  Distinguished: A teacher performing at the Distinguished level is a master teacher and makes a contribution to the field, both inside and outside the classroom. While all teachers strive to attain Distinguished-level performance, this level is considered difficult to attain consistently.

Descriptions. Each of the four final Professional Practice Ratings – Unsatisfactory, Basic, Proficient and Distinguished – are defined in general terms to illustrate the continuum of possible performance relative to the rigorous professional teaching standards outlined in the South Dakota Framework for Teaching.  • Unsatisfactory: A teacher performing at the Unsatisfactory level does not appear to understand the underlying concepts represented by the Framework for Teaching. Performance at this level requires significant intervention and coaching to improve the teacher’s performance.  • Basic: A teacher performing at the Basic level appears to understand the Framework conceptually but struggles to implement the standards into professional practice. Performance at this level is generally considered minimally competent for teachers early in their careers and improvement is expected to occur with experience.  • Proficient: A teacher performing at the Proficient level clearly understands the concepts represented by the Framework and implements them well. Teachers performing at this level are qualified in the craft of teaching and work to continually improve practice.  Distinguished: A teacher performing at the Distinguished level is a master teacher and makes a contribution to the field, both inside and outside the classroom. While all teachers strive to attain Distinguished-level performance, this level is considered difficult to attain consistently.