National Board Certification

1. National Board Certification Chenee McRae Michelle Watts

2. What is national board certification? • A voluntary, advanced teaching credential that goes beyond state licensure. • National standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

3. Creation of National Board Certification • The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was created in 1987. • It is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, non-government organization. • 2006- Nearly 7,800 teachers received their national board certification which brought the total number to 55,000 in the nation with this certification.

4. 5 Core Propositions • These propositions form the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and beliefs that characterize National Board Certified Teachers. • These propositions set forth the vision for accomplished teaching.

5. Proposition 1-Teachers are committed to students and learning. • Make knowledge accessible to all. • Treats students equally. • Understand how students develop and learn. • Respect diversity. • Concerned with student’s self-concept. • Concerned with the student’s development of character and civic responsibility.

6. Proposition 2-Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students. • NBCT’s have mastery over the subject(s) they teach. They have a deep understanding of the history, structure, and real-world applications of the subject. • They have skill and experience in teaching it, and they are very familiar with the skills gaps and preconceptions students may bring to the subject. • They are able to use diverse instructional strategies to teach for understanding.

7. Proposition 3- Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning. • NBCTs deliver effective instruction. They move fluently through a range of instructional techniques, keeping students motivated, engaged, and focused. • They know how to engage students to ensure a disciplined learning environment, and how to organize instruction to meet instructional goals. • NBCTs know how to assess the progress of individual students as well as the class as a whole. • They use multiple methods for measuring student growth and understanding, and they can clearly explain student performance to parents.

8. Proposition 4- Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience. • NBCTs model what it means to be an educated person- they read, they question, they create, and they are willing to try new things. • They are familiar with learning theories and instructional strategies and stay abreast of current issues in American education. • They critically examine their practice on a regular basis to deepen knowledge, expand their repertoire of skills, and incorporate new findings into their practice.

9. Proposition 5- Teachers are members of learning communities • NBCT’s collaborate with others to improve student learning. • They are leaders and actively know how to seek and build partnerships with community groups and businesses. • They work with other professionals on instructional policy, curriculum development, and staff development. • They can evaluate school progress and the allocation of resources in order to meet state and local education objectives. • They know how to work collaboratively with parents to engage them productively in the work of the school.

10. Benefits of National Board Certification • Meets most states definition of a highly qualified teacher as set forth by NCLB • Strengthens teaching practice • Improves students’ learning according to a vast majority or research • Advances teaching career • Increases financial opportunities in many states and districts • Provides a portable teaching license in most states • Contributes to CEU/re-certification requirements in most states

11. Available Certificates • NBPTS currently offers 24 certificates in a variety of areas. They cover 15 subject areas and there are 7 different student age categories. • http://www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate/available_certificates1/fields_of_certification • They have also identified several different factors to help you decide which is the best choice for your interests • http://www.nbpts.org/become_a_candidate/available_certificates1/choosing_the_right_certi

12. Eligibility and Policies/Ethics • Eligibility- You must meet the following criteria before applying : 1. Hold a bachelor’s degree 2. Have completed 3 years of teaching/counseling and 3. Hold a valid state teaching/counseling license for that period of time, or, if you teach where a license is not required, have taught in schools recognized and approved to operate by the state. There is a complete packet that outlines all these qualifications. Attaining this certification can take up to 3 years. • http://www.nbpts.org/UserFiles/File/Guide_2007_unlweb.pdf • http://www.nbpts.org/UserFiles/File/2006_Eligibility_Verif_cj.pdf • You have to submit in writing that you satisfy all requirements. • NBPTS ensures that all applicants are screened fairly.

13. Assessment Process • Once you have completed the application process and are admitted to the program, there are different areas that are used to assess your progress. • The first assessment you are required to submit is 4 portfolio entries. 3 of the 4 are classroom based and can be submitted as video recordings and examples of student work. The 4th is based on your accomplishments outside of the classroom (ex. Families, communities, and/or colleagues)

14. Assessment Process • The other assessment process is assessment center exercises. These are used to gauge your knowledge in response to six exercises developed for your chosen certificate area. • You have 30 minutes to complete each exercise. These exercises are administered at over 300 different computer-based testing sites across the United States.

15. Assessment Process • The next part is the scoring of your work. • The evaluation process follows guidelines set forth by NBPTS. Once you have submitted your portfolios and assessments, the work will be scored by a minimum of 12 teachers who have completed this training and are qualified to score these assessments.

16. Fees and Financial Support • There is a nonrefundable $65 dollar charge when you submit your application. • You must then submit a nonrefundable $500 dollar fee which officially starts your candidacy. This fee is applied to the $2,500 assessment fee. • Once NBPTS receives the application and candidacy fee ($565 dollars) you will receive a verification packet and portfolio materials. • There are different methods of payment and links to different sites concerning financial assistance and scholarships.

17. National Board Certification Funding • Alabama- With assistance from a federal grant, Alabama is able to offer some assistance with the cost of pursuing this certificate. • This funding is for first time candidates. One deadline has passed- the state funding. This funding required the teacher to commit to teach in Alabama public schools for 5 years. Failure to do so required the person to pay back the money. • The federal funding will pay part of the fees for up to 100 candidates. Alabama has a a screening and selection panel to chose the applicants. The deadline for this is September 17, 2007. • In Alabama, once a teacher receives this certification he/she is given a $5,000 salary supplement. Alabama will also use this certification for license reciprocity and certificate renewal.

18. Other States and NBC • Georgia had similar legislation concerning payment for pursuing this certificate. The state was reimbursing teachers (minus the $565 non-refundable fee) if they successfully obtained the certification and were teaching in a school that was designated as “Needs Improvement”. Re-takes were not eligible for the refund. The teacher must also remain in a Georgia school for one year after scores are announced. • Once successfully completed, the teacher will receive a 10% salary supplement.

19. Other States and NBC • Tennessee is offering something similar to Alabama. While the state is not offering any monetary help, they are also receiving the same educational grant that will pay 50% of the fees (minus the $565) as long as the funding lasts. Applications are reviewed and candidates are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline is October 31, 2007.

20. Other States and NBC • In Mississippi, teachers are reimbursed the $2000 regardless if they actually achieve the certification. If the teacher does achieve the certification, he/she is given a $6,000 annual salary supplement for the 10 years the that the certificate is valid. • In this state, they also receive some federal money for up to 25 candidates. • Candidates are selected from 5 lottery pools (one for each of the state’s four congressional districts). • There are also various banks that offer interest free loans to teachers. • The deadline to apply is November 30, 2007. • Information for other states can be found at www.nbpts.org

21. Research • According to the website for NBPTS, there are numerous studies showing the effectiveness of National Board Certification. • http://www.nbpts.org/resources/research

22. Sources • www.nea.org • www.nbpts.org • http://www.gapsc.com/AboutNBPTS/National_board.asp • http://www.nbpts.org/resources/state_local_information/Tennessee • http://www.tennessee.gov/education/tpd/conbcert.shtml • http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/extrel/news/nbc.htm

23. Test Question • List the five core propositions that form the basis for the National Board Certification.