educational standards

The purpose of this study was to analyze the professional learning standards in Iranian secondary schools (case study: Kurdistan province). This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of data collection method. The statistical population includes all schools in Kurdistan province, which consist of 101 schools. According to the Cochran formula, 12 schools were selected as the sample size through multi-stage cluster sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. This 47-item questionnaire was designed by researchers to measure professional learning standards in schools in three main areas: conditions for the success of the professional learning program, processes of transforming the professional learning program, and comprehensive and accurate content. According to the research results, the subscale of equity and justice in the conditions for the success of the professional learning program is in a desirable state, while the collaborative culture is in the worst state. The drivers of educational equity are in the best desirable state, and the educational plans are in the worst state in the domain of the processes of transforming the professional learning program. Regarding the area of comprehensive and accurate content in schools, the curriculum, planning, and teaching are reported to be in the best desirable state, while the professional expertise of teachers is in the worst state. Finally, the results indicate that the average status of professional learning in schools is at a moderate level.

The present study aimed to develop a teaching competency framework for Iranian English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers by conducting interviews with 30 teachers and head teachers in the field of ELT across multiple regions in Iran. The study utilized MAXQDA 20.2.1 to conduct a thematic analysis in three phases. Intercoder reliability (ICR) testing demonstrated a significant level of agreement. The findings indicated that an effective contextualized teaching competency framework for ELT teachers should consist of six key components: professional attributes focusing on teaching-specific characteristics, skills representing practical teaching abilities, knowledge encompassing subject-matter expertise, general qualifications including foundational requirements, personal attributes, and goals and values. Fifty-nine indicators were identified and strategically linked to established reference frameworks for ELT teacher competencies. The developed framework contributes to a novel organization of ELT teaching competencies. Key findings revealed that linguistic competency, inclusivity, student bonding, pedagogical knowledge, organizational skills, and teaching passion emerged as critical indicators within the Iranian ELT context. The framework's strength lies in its systematically developed structure based on expert insights and comprehensive literature analysis that offers brevity in design while maintaining comprehensiveness. These features would make it particularly applicable for Iranian ELT settings while providing a replicable model for broader international contexts. Future research should explore longitudinal studies to understand the changes that transpire over time. Moreover, integrating the perspectives of English language learners and high school students could enhance the practicality and applicability of these frameworks.