The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has issued a memorandum concerning the pilot of online portfolio entries in the Middle Childhood/Generalist certificate area as part of its ongoing assessment development effort. An opportunity to be part of the online effort is open to teachers who are in the classroom working with students aged 7-12. This includes both those interested in the certification process and those currently classroom-based National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT). Students should be ages 7-12. It is not open to teachers who are now in any phase of the National Board candidacy process.
As a pilot participant, you will respond to one portfolio entry and give feedback based on your professional expertise to help refine the electronic/online portfolio process. A response does not receive a score. The pilot takes place from March 15, 2003 through June 15, 2003, and participating teachers will receive an honorarium of $150. In addition, pre-candidates will receive a $300 fee waiver if they become candidates during the next administrative period (2003-2004 cycle).
The ultimate result is an opportunity for potential candidates to try out the National Board certification process and to receive an honorarium of $150. Participation in this effort does not guarantee Arkansas Department of Education funding of the National Board fee, but it does make a positive statement about a teacher’s level of interest in the process.
Further information including an application form is attached to this memorandum. The application deadline is March 15, 2003. For more information, please contact Melissa Straccia at mstraccia@ets.org or
800-779-3339, PRESS 1, ext. 5312.