2. Students can articulate what they are learning, know the criteria for proficient work and are involved in using rubrics to assess their own learning.

3. Students are on task, activity engaged and participating in lesson (asking questions, answering questions, discussing lesson, working in groups, focused upon learning).

4. Students are engaged in rigorous learning that requires them to think critically, reason, synthesize, make judgments and solve problems.

5. Assignments include extended projects where students construct explanations and justify arguments.

6. Students are taking notes (i.e. Cornell notes) on discussion, reading or instruction.

7. Students work (Standards-based) is displayed in a meaningful way with feedback on attractive bulletin boards.

8. Teacher checks for understanding and demonstrates positive relations with students in a positive learning environment.

9. Instructional strategies are effective and differentiated to maintain student focus, to engage diverse learning styles and to make learning relevant.

11. Do I have an Ice Breaker/Opening activity ready to go? (and a back- up Plan?)

12. What personality traits of the teacher set the tone for the rest of the school year?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />