1.0 Common Core: General Traffic Safety
Traffic safety instructors must know and understand the following:
1.1 The history of traffic safety education and the development of standards in Washington State and the nation.
1.2 Traffic safety education teacher competencies necessary for risk-reduced driving.
1.3 The general nature of the driver’s task within the Highway Transportation System (HTS) and the consequences of system failures
1.4 Risk management skills related to the task of driving in the role of driver or passenger.
1.5 The principles of perception related to risk management when operating a motor vehicle.
1.6 The techniques for managing risk when operating a motor vehicle over pre-selected
on and off-street activities
1.7 Physical, social, psychological, and emotional influences that can affect motor vehicle operator performance.
1.8 Concepts and generalizations which enable one to make appropriate decisions based on best practices regarding :
- Use of alcohol and other drugs.
- Use of occupant restraints and other protective devices.
- Speed selection.
- Fatigue, drowsy driving, distracted driving and road rage.
- Environmental factors that influence the decision-making process.
- Use of visual skills to obtain appropriate information to make reduced-risk decisions in varying driving environments.
- Management of time, space and visibility when operating a motor vehicle.
- Interaction with other roadway users.
- Demonstration of balanced vehicle movement.
- Additional skills practice with parents/guardians/mentors.
- Rules and regulations governing the state’s Intermediate Driver License (IDL) Program.
- Identification of laws, rules and regulations that govern the safe and efficient movement of traffic.
2.0 Common Core: Behind The Wheel
Behind the wheel instructors must know and understand the following elements of in-car instruction:
2.1 Responsible vehicle operation.
2.2 Components of the driving task.
2.3 Space management, vehicle referencing, and operation of reduced-risk driving.
2.4 Human functions for vehicle operation.
2.5 Motor vehicle laws, factors affecting operator behavior, and environmental conditions related to vehicle operation.
2.6 Vehicle control and risk-reduction factors in pre-crash, crash, and post-crash strategies.
2.7 Teaching strategies for enhancing learning in a dual control vehicle.
2.8 Driver response to vehicle and driver limitations.
2.9 Development of risk management skills.
2.10 The role of the teacher and students related to liability issues
3.0 Common Core: Classroom Instruction
The classroom instructor must know and understand the following elements of classroom instruction and management:
3.1 Federal, national and state recommendations and requirements respective to best practices in traffic safety education.
3.2 Tort liability and its implications for traffic safety education.
3.3 Requirements and considerations in facility use and equipment needs.
3.4 Requirements and considerations in student scheduling
3.5 Requirements and considerations in student and classroom management.
3.6 Requirements of record management.
3.7 Methods for building and maintaining a positive public image.
3.8 Requirements, methods, and equipment for meeting the needs of all students including those with special needs.
4.0 Common Core: Instructional Methodology
Competent traffic safety instructors:
Behind the Wheel:
4.1 Identify, discuss and apply teaching methods for the enhancement of learning within the in-car driving experience which includes students with a variety of special needs.
4.2 Assess students and document progress using approved assessment forms.
4.3 Construct and utilize lesson plans for each behind the wheel drive using state or nationally recognized models.
4.4 Teach space management, reference points, risk management, and visual search techniques utilizing current vehicle technology and restraint systems as related to each behind the wheel lesson.
4.5 Integrate classroom and laboratory instruction concurrently within the traffic safety education program.
4.6 Identify, discuss and demonstrate classroom teaching methods and learning activities that are appropriate to the traffic safety education program.
4.7 Construct lesson plans related to an assigned module.
4.8 Compare traffic safety education textbooks to determine quality of appropriate content to the traffic safety education curriculum.
4.9 Demonstrate varied teaching methods of delivery utilizing technological-based instruction.
4.10 Determine methods for organizing and selecting curriculum.
4.11 Design programs utilizing parent involvement.
4.12 Determine effective methods for financial resource management.
4.13 Design methods for student, program and staff evaluations.
4.14 Develop strategies for maintaining professional competencies including current issues and trends in traffic safety education.