Wisconsin Driver and Traffic Safety Education Teacher Standards

In 2004 all college teacher preparation programs were required to have outcome-based programs in each of their teacher preparation/certification programs.

To help identify what a first-time (new or experienced teacher) driver and traffic safety education teacher should know, be able to do and possess, the Department of Public Instruction called together a variety of traffic safety educators and related constituents to identify outcome-based traffic safety education teacher standards. The Universities offering Driver & Traffic Safety Education teacher prep programs (leading to a DPI 450 Certification) will need to ensure that their preparation programs prepare DTSEA instructors respectively.

The following are the standards that have been identified:

A newly certified, or first-time licensed Driver and Traffic Safety Education Teacher...

1. Is able to plan, implement and maintain a State DPI-approved driver and traffic safety education program.
2. Is knowledgeable of the major causative factors of motor vehicle crashes, and incorporates related prevention strategies into their traffic safety education instruction.
3. Possesses a strong knowledge of the Highway Transportation System, Wisconsin's Motor Vehicle Codes, DPI's Administrative Codes related to driver and traffic safety education , and understands the complexity of the driving task.
4. Is able to give clear and concise instructions and directions.
5. Is able to identify and incorporate appropriate outside traffic safety-related resources to improve or enhance instruction and collaborative relationships.
6. Is able to apply different technologies and instructional techniques to enhance instruction, student learning, and program administration.
7. Has a valid driver license, and maintains an acceptable driving record.
8. Is able to use a variety of teaching techniques and strategies to meet different needs and learning styles of students.
9. Understands, and is able to apply concepts of visual perceptual driving, reference points, and risk control and management into their instruction.
10. Is knowledgeable of the adverse impacts alcohol and other drugs (and other psychoactive substances) have on drivers, the driving task, and our highway transportation system.
11. Is knowledgeable of driving sanctions related to underage alcohol and other drug-related offenses, violations or convictions.
12. Knows and understands required and appropriate procedures and practices to follow when working with students with exceptional educational needs.
13. Is able to take control of, or make adjustments to, a vehicle's speed, and/or direction while teaching in-car, so as to eliminate, or reduce the chance (or severity) of a crash.
14. Understands the roles professional traffic safety associations (state and national) can play in teachers' staff development and professional growth.
15. Knows the importance of, and is able to implement, a parent involvement program.
16. Is able to teach both classroom and laboratory phases of a traffic safety education program.
17. Knows how to use a variety of student assessment instruments.
18. Is able to provide learning experiences that stress the importance of proper usage of passenger restraints, not drinking and driving, and not riding with someone who has been drinking.
19. Is able to observe a student's driving actions and behaviors, identify errors and prescribe appropriate corrective actions.

Contact: Randall Thiel (608) 266-9677, randall.thiel@dpi.wi.gov

This page was launched on 4/4/00

For questions about this information, contact Randall R. Thiel (608) 266-9677

Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:52 AM