Standards - more useful than for assessment

In my last post I made my position clear on how standards should be used. If they are aimed at creating an elite group of teachers whose only role is to get more money then I am not interested. I have received some reading from Teaching Australia which suggests that they are thinking the same way.
They have used some pretty inspirational standards (e.g from Language and Literacy teachers, and the Maths group) which have as it's focus the improvements in learning that should result if a teacher is exemplary.
I think during the meeting that as long as I have this as a focus I should be right. Otherwise what is the point of having standards unless it is to meet some sort of goal. What higher goal could there be than the improvement of student learning.
Teaching Australia also sent out a set of guidelines about the organising categories [broad headings that capture the critical elements of teaching] and capabilities [the discrete elements of knowledge, skills and dispositions expected of teachers operating appropriately and effectively at a high level of expertise]. They include:

Professional Knowledge

• Knowledge of content
• Knowledge of students
• Knowledge of teaching and learning (pedagogy)

Professional Practice

• Planning for learning
• Creating a learning environment
• Assessment and evaluation of learning

Professional Engagement

• Self-motivated professional learners
• Reflective practitioners
• Active members of professional learning communities (in schools and beyond).

I will have a look at the Gleeson 10 and see if they cover everything mentioned above (and vice versa)