Assessing Dispositions
College of Education and Human Development
What are dispositions? Dispositions are actions guided by beliefs and attitudes related to values such as caring, fairness, honesty, responsibility, and social justice.
It is important to understand that dispositions are revealed through your behaviors. People infer what you believe to be important based on your actions.
Why are positive dispositions important to effective educators? Students select their favorite teachers for the following reasons: 6% of the time because of their content knowledge 19% of the time for their teaching skills, and 75% of the time for their dispositions. Great Teacher, Great Memories The National Survey on Favorite Teacher Characteristics
The National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education (NCATE) defines DISPOSITIONS as: The values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward students, families colleagues, and communities and affect student learning, motivation and development as well as the educator s own professional growth.
WHY do we assess dispositions? Throughout your program of study at George Mason, you will demonstrate behaviors that reflect positive dispositions befitting a professional educator. By assessing your dispositions throughout the program you can identify gaps and work to develop any behaviors needed for growth in specific dispositions.
The Virginia Department of Education AGREES with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education BOTH promote a standard of professional competence and dispositions for teacher candidates in teacher education programs across Virginia. To meet accreditation standards, George Mason University s CEHD has identified EIGHT DISPOSITIONS that an effective professional educator displays.
8 DISPOSITIONS Openness to feedback Collaboration and teamwork Cultural responsiveness Continuous improvement/change orientation
Dispositions (continued) High expectations for learning Advocacy Professionalism Legal and ethical conduct
Openness to Feedback The Teacher Candidate: Is receptive to constructive criticism/growth producing feedback Self regulates and modifies professional behavior based on feedback Seeks opportunities for professional growth to improve practice Acts on feedback toward improvement
Collaboration and Teamwork The Teacher Candidate: Exhibits teamwork for school/organizational improvement Collaborates well with others Is caring, empathetic and respectful to others
Cultural Responsiveness The Teacher Candidate: Treats individuals in an unbiased manner Embraces differences Views diversity as an asset
Continuous Improvement/ Change Orientation The Teacher Candidate: Takes initiative appropriately Seeks opportunities for continual improvement and change Seeks evidence for use in decision making Is willing to take appropriate risks/try new things
High Expectations for Learning The Teacher Candidate: Takes appropriate responsibility for student learning Holds high expectations for all learners Monitors and assesses student learning to provide feedback and alter instruction to improve learning
Advocacy The Teacher Candidate: Advocates on behalf of students and families Seeks to understand and address student issues and challenges Shows a genuine interest in others well being Seeks to direct students and/or families to needed resources
Professionalism The Teacher Candidate: Is punctual and well prepared Exhibits professional demeanor (dress & appearance) Is reliable, responsible Demonstrates respect for students, families, colleagues, and/or property Uses technology & social media appropriately
Legal and Ethical Conduct The Teacher Candidate: Exhibits integrity and ethical behavior Maintains privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information Demonstrates fairness and consistency in applying and enforcing rules, policies, and regulations
How and when will we assess your dispositions? Your dispositions will be assess at the beginning, middle, and end of your teacher education program. Some assessments will be selfassessments and other times you will be assessed by your instructor or your Mentor Teacher during your internship placement.
You will rate yourself, or be rated on, the degree to which you behave in a fashion consistent with each disposition: Consistently Evident 4 Frequently Evident 3 Sometimes Evident 2 Seldom Evident 1 Not Applicable
REMEMBER: Your dispositions are revealed through your behaviors. Your instructors, school professionals, and your students and their families will infer what you believe to be important based on your actions.
As a Teacher Candidate throughout your program, you will develop your skills as an educator and reflect upon how your behaviors align with GMU s professional dispositions and how your dispositions inform your actions as an educator.
As a graduate of our programs you will use the knowledge, skills, and dispositions developed here to improve teaching and learning to increase student achievement and success both inside and outside your classroom.
QUESTIONS??????? If you have questions, please speak with your Instructor or an Advisor.