ERIC ED512906: 2010 Guide to National Board Certification

2010·0.81 MB·English

by  ERIC

2010
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Apply online at the
NBPTS Web site
www.nbpts.org
National Board Certifi cation Promotes
Better Teaching, Better Learning, Better Schools
© 2010 by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the publisher.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards logo, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, NBPTS, National Board
Certified Teacher, NBCT, National Board Certification, Take One!, 1-800-22TEACH, Accomplished Teacher, and Profile of Professional Growth are
registered trademarks of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective organizations.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Inc. has been funded, in part, with grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the
National Science Foundation. Through September 2009, NBPTS has been appropriated federal funds of $188 million, of which $168.7 million
was expended. Such amount represents approximately 30 percent of the National Board’s total cumulative costs. Approximately $398.1 million
(70 percent) of the National Board’s costs were financed by non-federal sources.
The contents of this publication were developed in whole or in part under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents
do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Prepared by Pearson for submission under contract with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards®.
Pearson and its logo are trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries of Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s).
CONTENTS
i INTRODUCTION 3 SCHOLARSHIPS AND REWARDS
Beginning the Journey toward Scholarships 18
National Board Certification v
Incentives and Fee Subsidies 18
What Is NBPTS? .......................................................v
Five Core Propositions ..............................................v Loans 18
A Unique Professional Development Experience ......vi
Scholarships and Incentives ......................................vi Graduate Credit 18
Take One! vii
Experience the Benefi ts of TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!! ............................................vii 4 HOW TO APPLY
Who Can TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!? ........................................vii
Beginning the National Board
How Does TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!! WWoorrkk?? ............................vii
Certification Process 21
Certification Renewal vii Accommodations for Candidates
with Disabilities ...................................................21
What’s New? viii
Using the Calendars 22
1 ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT Submitting the Application and Fees 24
Processing Charge ...................................................24
The Assessment Process 1
E-check Extended-Payment Option ........................24
Th e Portfolio .............................................................1 Assessment Fee ........................................................24
Th e Assessment Center ..............................................2
Fees and Charges 26
Eligibility 3
What Happens Next 29
Important Information for North Carolina
Candidates .............................................................4 Verifying Your Application or TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!! OOrrddeerr ......29
Important Information for Florida Candidates ..........4 Verifying Your Eligibility for National Board
Important Information for California Candidates .....4 Certifi cation ........................................................29
Coordinating Th ird-Party Payments ........................29
Scoring 6
How National Board Assessments Are Managing My Profile 30
Evaluated and Scored .............................................6 Change of Address ..................................................30
PPPooollliiiccciiieeesss aaannnddd PPPrrroooccceeeddduuurrreeesss fffooorrr SSScccooorrriiinnnggg ......................................................7 E-mail Updates .......................................................32
WWWiiittthhhdddrrraaawwwiiinnnggg ......................................................................................................................32
National Board Policies 10
Refunds ...................................................................32
Candidates with Disabilities ....................................10
Confi dentiality Guidelines ......................................10
5 CONTACT US 34
Denial or Revocation of Certifi cation ......................10
Certifi cation Renewal ..............................................11
Online Services at www.nbpts.org
Reconsideration of Certifi cation or
Customer Support at 1-800-22TEACH
Scoring Decisions ................................................12
(1-800-228-3224)
Ethics 14 Pay by Mail
Submit Your Portfolio
Submit Written Correspondence and Forms
2 FIELDS OF CERTIFICATION
Rewarding Excellence in Every Field 15
Which Certificate Is Right for Me? 15
Studying the Standards 16

i
INTRODUCTION
Beginning the Journey school counselors, and other education stakeholders to
recognize experienced educators for the quality of their
toward National Board
practice. National Board Certifi cation signifi es that a
teacher or school counselor is accomplished, having
Certification
met challenging professional standards as evidenced by
performance-based assessments.
Th e National Board for Professional Teaching Standards®
Support for National Board Certifi cation comes from
(NBPTS®) is pleased to welcome you to the National
governors, legislators, state and local school boards, teach-
Board Certifi cation® process. Th e Guide to National Board
ers’ unions, teacher educators, teaching disciplinary and
Certifi cation introduces you to the assessment process and
specialty organizations, and business and community
provides you with useful information as you apply for
leaders. Most important, the National Board is supported
National Board Certifi cation or certifi cation renewal, or
by classroom teachers and school counselors. Th ey
order the TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!!®®® pprrooffeessssiioonnaall ddeevveellooppmmeenntt kkiitt..
develop the Standards, score the assessment of perfor-
You are embarking on an exciting, challenging, and mance against those Standards, and make up a majority
rewarding journey. By participating in the National Board of the members of the NBPTS Board of Directors.
Certifi cation process, you are joining tens of thousands
of educators in an unprecedented eff ort to reshape the Five Core Propositions
public’s perception of educators, to create more profes-
Th e work of NBPTS is guided by Five Core Propositions.
sional and educationally rewarding relationships among
Th e propositions state what NBPTS values and believes
educators, to advance the knowledge base of educators,
should be honored in teaching and school counseling.
and, ultimately, to improve student learning.
Th is expression of ideals, “What Teachers Should Know
and Be Able to Do,” guides the development of NBPTS
What Is NBPTS?
Standards and assessments. Details about each of the Five
NBPTS is an independent, nonprofi t, nonpartisan, and Core Propositions are available online on the NBPTS
nongovernmental organization governed by a board of Web site. Whether or not you become a candidate, you
directors, the majority of whom are classroom teachers. It are encouraged to read and refl ect on the high level of
was formed in 1987 by an innovative coalition of teach- knowledge, skills, dispositions, and commitments de-
ers, policymakers, and academic and corporate leaders as scribed by these propositions.
a vanguard eff ort to develop professional standards for
early childhood, elementary, and secondary school teach-
ing. More information about NBPTS can be accessed on “NEA members confi rm the positive
the NBPTS Web site (wwwwwwwww...nnnbbbppptttsss...ooorrrggg))..
eff ects of the National Board Certifi -
National Board Certifi cation is part of the threefold mis- cation process on their classroom prac-
sion of NBPTS:
tices. And a growing body of research
1. To maintain high and rigorous standards for what
links National Board Certifi cation
accomplished teachers should know and be able to do
with improved student learning. Th ere
2. To provide a national voluntary system for certifying
is nothing more important than
teachers who meet those standards
giving every child a quality education.
3. To advocate related education reforms to integrate
National Board Certifi cation in American education National Board Certifi cation is an
and to capitalize on the expertise of National Board
invaluable professional development
Certifi ed Teachers (NBCTs)
experience that leads to better teaching
Th is process is unlike the current mandatory systems
and learning.”
of state licensing that set entry-level requirements for
beginning teachers and school counselors. National Board
Dennis Van Roekel, President
Certifi cation is a voluntary process developed by teachers,
National Education Association (NEA)
National Board Certifi cation Promotes Better Teaching, Better Learning, Better Schools v
i
INTRODUCTION
A Unique Professional Development important, however, is the profoundly positive eff ect
that their enhanced professionalism can have on their
Experience
students. Research now provides evidence that NBCTs
As a teacher or school counselor, you understand that are increasing student learning. You can read about this
quality teachers and school counselors are key to student research at the NBPTS Web site (wwwwwwwww...nnnbbbppptttsss...ooorrrggg))..
learning. And as a professional, you most likely look for
ways to acquire greater expertise in your fi eld. National Scholarships and Incentives
Board Certifi cation has been created to help you meet
Before you apply for National Board Certifi cation or
your goals. Th e process is regarded as a powerful profes-
order TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!!,, bbee ssuurree ttoo cchheecckk wwiitthh yyoouurr llooccaall,, ddiissttrriicctt,,
sional development experience based on high and rigor-
or state educational offi cials for incentives available to
ous standards for what accomplished teachers and school
you. Various states and local school districts have recog-
counselors should know and be able to do.
nized the value of National Board Certifi cation by off er-
As a candidate for National Board Certifi cation, you will ing assistance with fees, salary increases, bonuses, or other
benefi t greatly from your experience. You will incentives to teachers and school counselors who achieve
• undergo a process that many candidates describe as National Board Certifi cation. To learn more about how
the best professional development experience of their states and school districts support National Board Cer-
lives; tifi cation, visit the NBPTS Web site. (Note that some
states have their own predetermined application dates for
• gain new insights on your practice;
funding eligibility.)
• contribute to the enhancement of teaching and
school counseling as professions that are accountable You should also learn about the National Board Scholar-
to high standards; ship Program, which was created through the generosity
of corporate and philanthropic communities to support
• grow as a professional and develop new ways to help
teachers and school counselors who want to seek
your students learn.
National Board Certifi cation by off ering fee scholar-
NBCTs become role models and leaders in their schools
ships. Information is available on the NBPTS Web site
and districts. Many candidates who achieve National
or by calling (888) 908-FEES (3337). Keep in mind that
Board Certifi cation tell us that they have earned a greater
scholar ships are awarded under the guidelines set by the
voice in deciding what happens in the classroom and in
donor, likely on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Payment
their schools. Th eir school districts and their colleagues
of the nonrefundable initial $500 fee is required for
often recognize them as leaders of their profession. Most
National Board Certifi cation scholarship consideration.
What Teachers Should Know and Be Able to Do
The Five Core Propositions
1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
5. Teachers are members of learning communities.
vi 2010 Guide to National Board Certifi cation
ii
INTRODUCTION
Take One! • submit the entry to NBPTS to be scored, in accor-
dance with the policies of the current NBPTS assess-
ment program;
Take One! is a unique off ering from the National Board
for Professional Teaching Standards that provides a • have three opportunities to apply the Take One! score
standards-based approach for improving teaching practice to National Board Certifi cation, if eligible to pursue
and links student learning to eff ective instruction. that certifi cation.
Participants prepare and submit one video portfolio
entry (preselected by NBPTS) from any of the current Certification Renewal
certifi cate areas of National Board Certifi cation. A
participant can later transfer the Take One! score if he or
National Board Certifi cation is awarded for a period of
she pursues National Board candidacy within the allotted
10 years. NBCTs must complete the certifi cation renewal
time period (see “Transferring Take One! Scores” on
process before their certifi cation expiration date and may
page 8).
only renew certifi cation in their original certifi cate area.
NBCTs are off ered two opportunities to renew their
Experience the Benefits of Take One!
certifi cate, beginning in their eighth year of certifi cation,
Take One! improves teaching quality by providing educa- but they must apply for certifi cation renewal within the
tors with the opportunity to refl ect on their own class- appropriate application periods outlined in Table 4.3—
room instructional practices within the context of Renewal Calendar on page 23 or in the Certifi cation
national teaching standards. Take One! allows all educa- Renewal Calendar found on the NBPTS Web site. NBCTs
tors to “sample” National Board Certifi cation—not only are encouraged to apply for certifi cation renewal in their
to improve their teaching practices within their class- eighth year of certifi cation. Th erefore, if a candidate
rooms and schools, but also to begin the path toward applies for but does not achieve certifi cation renewal in
National Board Certifi cation candidacy, if they so choose. the eighth year, he or she may try again in the ninth year.
Once certifi cation renewal is achieved, the renewed
Who Can Take One!? certifi cation begins upon expiration of the original 10-year
National Board Certifi cation, regardless of the date the
Take One! is available to all teachers as well as induction
NBCT achieved certifi cation renewal.
or preservice teachers, principals, administrators, pro-
fessors in colleges of education, and those who provide NBCTs who are applying to renew their certifi cation
support for National Board Certifi cation candidates. must complete a Profi le of Professional Growth® (PPG).
Take One! is classroom-based professional development Th e PPG diff ers from the original certifi cation process in
and requires that educators have access to a pre-K–12 many ways. It is a holistic approach in which all com-
classroom to complete the portfolio entry. ponents submitted are linked and evaluated. It has been
designed so that NBCTs show the connections they make
How Does Take One! Work? between their continued professional growth and student
learning. For more information about the procedure,
Take One! aligns practice to professional teaching stan-
timeline, and fees for renewal candidates, refer to Renewal
dards. Participants identify evidence of student learning
at a Glance on the NBPTS Web site (www.nbpts.org).
and make the critical link between teaching practice and
student learning gains.
Take One! participants
• study the NBPTS Standards for their teaching
discipline;
• complete a video portfolio entry using a classroom
of students to demonstrate accomplished pre-K–12
teaching;
National Board Certifi cation Promotes Better Teaching, Better Learning, Better Schools vii
NBPTS_2010 Guide_client1.indd vii 1/4/2010 12:55:15 PM
i
INTRODUCTION
WHAT'S NEW?
Pearson Professional Centers (PPC)
Assessment center exercises are now available at Pearson Professional Centers.
Visit www.pearsonvue.com/NBPTS to
• schedule, cancel, and reschedule assessment center appointments;
• take an online tour of PPCs;
• access an interactive tool to prepare for the assessment center experience.
Accomplished Teacher® by SmartBrief
This free online weekday daily news summary focuses on accomplished teaching for
NBCTs, candidates and potential candidates for National Board Certification, and
other NBPTS stakeholders. To sign up for this service, visit www.SmartBrief.com/
NBPTS/.
NBCTLink
If you are a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), you can log on to NBCTLink
(www.nbctlink.org), an interactive, online learning community. NBCTs can connect
with one another, share their best teaching practices, and keep up to date about impor-
tant education issues.
NBPTS Online Store
Purchase the latest NBCT certificate frames, apparel, jewelry, and more!
Visit www.targetlogosonline.com/nbct/.
viii 2010 Guide to National Board Certifi cation
1
ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT
The Assessment Process Take One!participants prepare and submit one video
portfolio entry (preselected by NBPTS) from any of the
current certifi cate areas of National Board Certifi cation.
Th e assessment process for National Board Certifi cation
Please access the NBPTS Web site (wwwwwwwww...nnnbbbppptttsss...ooorrrggg)) ffoorr
is designed to collect standards-based evidence of
the complete list of all preselected TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!! eennttrriieess..
accomplished practice. In all certifi cate areas, candidates
for National Board Certifi cation are required to complete In addition to completing the three classroom-based
two major components: a portfolio of classroom practice entries, candidates for National Board Certifi cation are
and an assessment of content knowledge administered at required to complete one entry in which work with fami-
a computer-based testing center. lies and the larger community and with colleagues and
the larger profession is documented. Th is entry requires
Th e content associated with the portfolio entries is dic-
you to show the impact you have made on student learn-
tated by the context of the candidate’s practice; the assess-
ing through your accomplishments outside of the class-
ment center exercises are specifi cally designed to measure
room.
fundamental content that is not likely to be demonstrated
in portfolio entries. Th is content, as defi ned by the
NBPTS Standards, represents the fundamental content
understanding that supports quality instruction in the “[National Board Certifi cation] is
classroom on a daily basis and that should be accessible to
probably the most important
the candidate, on demand, to meet and address the needs
of students as those needs arise in the classroom. Assess- professional development tool that
ment center exercises are based on content standards for has come along in the last century.”
what accomplished teachers (or school counselors) should
know.
Sharon Draper, National Board Certified Teacher, Ohio,
American Teacher, April 2003
The Portfolio
Candidates for National Board Certifi cation submit a
NBPTS will send fi rst-time National Board Certifi ca-
complete portfolio containing four diff erent entries.
tion portfolio kits no later than three weeks after receipt
Th ree of these entries are classroom based,* and at least
of the completed application and nonrefundable initial
two of these require that you provide video recordings of
$500 fee. NBPTS will send TTTaaakkkeee OOOnnneee!!! ppoorrttffoolliioo kkiittss nnoo
classroom interactions between you and your students; all
later than three weeks after receipt of the completed order
three require that you collect student work of particular
form and full payment. Th e kit includes forms for verify-
types. Each portfolio entry requires some direct evidence
ing your eligibility for candidacy (National Board Certi-
of teaching (for example, student work samples or video-
fi cation candidates only), a CD-ROM for your certifi cate
recorded excerpts from an instructional session) as well
area containing the NBPTS Standards, Portfolio Instruc-
as a commentary describing, analyzing, and refl ecting on
tions, and instructions for packing and shipping your
this evidence. In every case, you are required to write a
portfolio. Bar code labels to be placed on your materials,
detailed analysis of the instruction refl ected in the student
envelopes for submitting your entries and forms, and the
work or video recording.
box used for the submission of your portfolio are also
provided in your kit.
You do not need to wait until your box of materials
arrives to begin work on your portfolio. You can begin
*Th e term “classroom” is used throughout the portfolio materials for all cer-
studying the Standards and the PPPooorrrtttfffooollliiiooo IIInnnssstttrrruuuccctttiiiooonnnsss ffoorr
tifi cate areas as a generic term for a location in which a candidate interacts
with students. Not all candidates interact with students in a “typical” class- your certifi cate area by visiting the NBPTS Web site.
room setting—it may be a resource room, studio, gymnasium, auditorium, Th en you can begin planning for lessons and considering
library media center, workshop, outdoors, and so on. Th e word “classroom”
the students you wish to feature in your classroom-based
refers to wherever student instruction takes place, regardless of the setting.
portfolio entry or entries. However, all evidence of your
work with students must be gathered during the
12 months before the deadline for portfolio submission.
National Board Certifi cation Promotes Better Teaching, Better Learning, Better Schools 1
1
ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT
Th e portfolio component of the assessment is to be are included, a brief explanation in the written commen-
completed before the deadline for portfolio submis- tary that accompanies each portfolio response should be
sion—March 31, 2011 (see Table 4.1—2010–2011 included. Responses containing student work samples
National Board Certifi cation Assessment Calendar on and/or video recordings that require assessors to have fl u-
page 22). You will be asked to use your current class(es) ency in a language other than English or Spanish, or that
and students to provide evidence of your practice. Th e require signifi cant explanations or translations, cannot be
directions for the portfolio are lengthy; you will want to scored.
allocate adequate time to read and understand them prior
Note that this does not apply to submissions in the World
to planning and preparing your specifi c response to each
Languages certifi cate area, in which student work and
required entry.
video recordings for the portfolio in the target languages
(specialty areas) available may be submitted.
Spanish Language Option
Th e Spanish Language Option allows the submission For more information on submissions in languages other
of student work and video recordings in Spanish. than English or Spanish, see the PPPooorrrtttfffooollliiiooo IIInnnssstttrrruuuccctttiiiooonnnsss oonn
Th is option provides an opportunity for generalists the NBPTS Web site (wwwwwwwww...nnnbbbppptttsss...ooorrrggg))..
and content-area teachers who have a large number
of Spanish-speaking students in their classes and who The Assessment Center
therefore deliver instruction in both English and Spanish
In the assessment center portion of the National Board
to become NBCTs. Th e Spanish Language Option is
Certifi cation process, candidates demonstrate their con-
available in all certifi cate areas except English Language
tent knowledge in response to six exercises developed and
Arts and World Languages. (Note that candidates in Early
designed by practicing professionals in their certifi cate
and Middle Childhood/Literacy: Reading–Language Arts
area. Candidates are given up to 30 minutes to respond
may elect to use the Spanish Language Option.)
to each of the six exercises. Th ese exercises are adminis-
Th ose who exercise this option complete the same tered at computer-based testing centers across the United
port folio entries and assessment center exercises as their States.
certifi cate-area colleagues. Th e written commentaries
All candidates will complete a tutorial at the assessment
accompanying each portfolio and the responses to the
center before testing to familiarize themselves with the
assessment center exercises must be in English. In addi-
features and functions of the word processor. Prior to
tion, those who exercise the Spanish Language Option
making an appointment at an assessment center, review
are required to submit a written English translation of
the AAAsssssseeessssssmmmeeennnttt CCCeeennnttteeerrr PPPooollliiicccyyy aaannnddd GGGuuuiiidddeeellliiinnneeesss oonn tthhee NNBBPPTTSS
any written student work submitted in Spanish and/or an
Web site for important information about how the
English transcription of any video-recorded evidence sub-
assessments are administered and how to prepare for
mitted in Spanish. Th e English translation or transcript
a computer-administered assessment. Candidates are
must be provided or the response will not be scored.
required to be familiar with and adhere to all information
English language translations provided with evidence in
and policies found in the Assessment Center Policy and
Spanish must meet all format specifi cations for written
GGGuuuiiidddeeellliiinnneeesss iinn aaddvvaannccee ooff sscchheedduulliinngg aanndd aatttteennddiinngg tthheeiirr
portfolio materials and must include the ID number and
test center appointment(s). A hands-on tool available at
the entry title in English. Pages containing translations
www.pearsonvue.com/NBPTSprovides an overview
do not count toward the page totals specifi ed in the entry
of the assessment center experience.
directions.
Candidates are responsible for content knowledge as
Languages Other Th an English and Spanish
identifi ed by the Standards across the full age range of a
We recognize that languages other than English and selected certifi cate area (and specialty, if applicable). For
Spanish are frequently used in the classroom. Th erefore, example, if you are pursuing certifi cation in the Middle
student work samples and video recordings may include Childhood/Generalist fi eld, the prompts you respond
brief expressions or phrases in a language other than to at the assessment center may ask you to demonstrate
English or Spanish. Th e inclusion of such expressions or content knowledge about students at any age from 7 years
phrases must be limited because assessors will not have through 12 years.
fl uency in languages other than English or Spanish. If
expressions in a language other than English or Spanish
2 2010 Guide to National Board Certifi cation