The Mississippi Teacher Assessment Instruments (MTAIs) contain 16 teaching competencies (14 competencies measured by 3 separate instruments of the MTAI, and 2 performance standards assessed by the local district). The Teaching Plans and Materials MTAI guides assessment of beginning teachers' competence in planning instruction, selecting procedures, and choosing materials to achieve and evaluate instructional objectives. The competencies are assessed solely from teachers' portfolios of lesson plans. The Position Skills MTAI assesses teachers' cognitive interaction with learners, skill in organizing and presenting instruction, and skill in classroom management. The competencies are measured by classroom observation of teachers by certified MTAI assessors. The Interpersonal Skills MTAI guides assessment of classroom climate or environment fostered by teachers. Interpersonal skills range from friendly and understanding to strong self-concept. MTAI assessors use direct observation. The purpose and conditions for use for each instrument are discussed. A statistical analysis of the Mississippi State Department of Education records of provisional teacher evaluations on the MATI for the 1990-91 school year is presented. Ratings consisted of 16 indicators scored on a single 1-5 scale and 104 yes/no descriptors. These descriptors were combined to form 26 indicators, producing 42 indicators that were grouped into 14 competencies and dichotomized by a cut score. The competency score is derived from the number of indicators at or above the cut score. A table provides individual indicators that teachers failed at a percentage rate of approximately 63 percent or above on the first evaluation total rating. The 42 indicators and 14 competencies are outlined. (RLC)