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The Consortium for Policy Research in Education proposed that effective schools are guided by high standards of learning and achievement goals. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) also concludes that there is a high correlation between the existence of high standards of performance and national achievement. In addition to the need to ensure that schools identify and state what students should know and learn, more complex knowledge, sophisticated instructional strategies, and meaningful learning goals are paramount to school effectiveness. Based on school effectiveness research and standards-based learning, the Belize High School Curriculum is designed to promote global 21st century citizens empowered with skills to forge important links between education and industry and to participate skillfully in a global society. Therefore, milestones must be in place to ensure that students acquire the skills for life and work, use a range of technological devices, and apply critical and analytical skills across and within disciplines.
To ensure that students acquire the requisite skills and competencies described in the curriculum framework, it is envisioned that teachers will:
1. Be highly qualified and use innovative pedagogical skills to guide instruction
2. Demonstrate understanding of how students learn and tailor instruction to address needs
3. Acquire strong subject matter knowledge across a range of disciplines
4. Understand the psychology of learning and how best to tailor instruction
5. Acquire strong technological competencies to use technological devices effectively
6. Demonstrate competency in core areas as well as the fine arts
7. Demonstrate positive emotional tone to adequately scaffold and support student learning
8. Be committed to professional development and remain abreast of current instructional practices
9. Adequately use traditional and alternative forms of assessment to measure performance
10. Continuously monitor and assess students’ performance as described in the expected standards
11. Encourage students to monitor their own learning and to identify learning goals
12. Work collaboratively and develop partnership with parents and stakeholders
13. Demonstrate high ethical standards consistent with the guidelines in the Draft Handbook of Policies and Procedures governing education in Belize
14. Consistently prepare instructional plans and teaching resources aligned with the curriculum framework and contemporary needs
15. Organize and promote a positive learning environment where students’ opinions are encouraged and respected
16. Align classroom environments with real world environments by infusing 21st century skills into their teaching and learning.
17. Demonstrate professional standards of teaching and learning
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