Standards - Dispositions

College of Education's Policy Regarding Student Dispositions
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) defines dispositions as "The values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors towards students, families, colleagues, and communities and affect student learning, motivation, and development as well as the educator's own professional growth." (NCATE 2000 Standards: March 31, 2000, p. 31).

Students taking courses offered in the UNLV College of Education (on-campus, off-campus, via distance education, etc.) are expected to...

• exhibit personal management behaviors valued by the professional education community. Examples of associated behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. Adhering to the UNLV Student Conduct Code (e.g., with regard to controlled substances). The Student Conduct Code can be found on the web at <www.unlv.edu/studentlife/student_coduct.pdf>.
  2. Being present, punctual, and prepared for professional activities and university coursework.
  3. Responding constructively to assessments by supervisors or others and making changes to address legitimate concerns.
• demonstrate professional conduct. Examples of associated behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. Respecting the intellectual property of others by giving due credit and avoiding plagiarism.
  2. Maintaining ethical and legal behaviors in their interactions with others.
• believe all students can learn. Examples of associated behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. Creating a learning environment which enables all students to reach their full potential.
  2. Demonstrating persistence in helping all children achieve success.
  3. Demonstrating willingness to adapt instruction to individual differences.
• know and respect the influence of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other aspects of culture on a child's development and personality. Examples of associated behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. Demonstrating the belief that diversity in the classroom, in the school, and in society is a strength.
  2. Selecting materials, developing lessons, and promoting classroom environments that counteract negative stereotypes and bigotry.
  3. Demonstrating sensitivity to the legitimate needs and concerns of others.
• respect the accepted ethical norms, legal requirements, and values of education. Examples of associated behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. Demonstrating acceptance of legal requirements by maintaining confidentiality of student records, parent communications, and private professional communications.
  2. Adhering to accepted standards of truthfulness and honesty as stated in UNLV's Student Code of Conduct, practicum guidelines, and course syllabi.
  3. Using language free of profanity and malicious statements toward any individual or groups. d. Providing students access to varying points of view.
• demonstrate a commitment to professional development. Examples of associated behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  1. Demonstrating knowledge of educational trends and practices and their applications to educational situations.
  2. Demonstrating a willingness to adapt instruction to "best practices."
  3. Exhibiting an interest in professional educational organizations and associations.