kinderjane - kelly- I love your attitude about testing. From e-mail you sent. :-)
Kelly - Jane - I really just can't get uptight about it like my teammates do. I take them from point A to point B......whatever that is for each child. There's no more I can do as long as I keep on doing my best!
Dana (carbag) - I didnt realize Joanne was the Joanne I got a book from - I wrote her yesterday, because she never has gotten the money I sent!
kinderjane - I've been going thru math books listing topics and skills. I don't want to get an area I'm not prepared for.
Dana (carbag) - Jane, when are you taking the AC?
Kelly - Jane - please don't give up! :) Now, about those math strands....do you feel like you have a comprehensive list of topics?
kinderjane - I am taking AC on June 28.
kinderjane - That's what I'm trying to get, Kelly, a comprehensive list of topics.
Dana (carbag) - Wish we could work together on the strands for math and science topics!
Kelly - Hi "almost"....how are you? When do you take the AC?
kinderjane - Do you know if math topics are specific to grade level? Will I get a certain topic because I teach K and a second grade teacher get a dif. one?
Kelly - Dana - I think you CAN and SHOULD! I'd love to see the ring come up with a volunteer to do patterns, someone else volunteer to do another, and so on....what do you think?
Dana (carbag) - I take the AC in July - about the 11th - I will have to double-check the date!
Dana (carbag) - math is on our grade level Jane!
kinderjane - Dana- we can work together on those! We are concected, darlin'! We have e-mail and snail mail and phone. That's enuf!!!
Kelly - Jane - no the topic will be the same......isn't math the one where then you explain what you would expect your students to come to you with in terms of prior knowledge, and then where you would take them?
Dana (carbag) - sounds great to me Kelly!
Cindy - Great ! Just got my application in the mail today! I am excited!
kinderjane - I know we answer the question on our grade level, but could a grade 2 teacher and a pre-school teacher get the same question? Just answer at their level?
Kelly - If we set up a volunteer group they could each share certain basics for each strand......that way everyone could have a basic list to go from....and then everyone would, of course, have to sort of develop activities on their own. Clear as mud? I feel like I'm rambling today!
Kelly - Jane - yes....that's how it works
kinderjane - Kelly- that is a great idea! Collaboration at it's best!
Kelly - Cindy - send it in - and take notes now! :)
Cindy - Believe me, Kelly, I am!
Kelly - I'm thinking that there are certain sort of touchpoints for each strand.....if someone developed a list of them in a developmentally appropriate order, then it would help everyone. But everyone would be making their own contribution in terms of deciding what activities they might use to get there. As a K teacher, Jane, you and Dana might start at a certain point along that continuium....where as a first grade teacher, I would assume prior knowledge that you would not.....
Dana (carbag) - Sorry Jane! I didn't know what you meant about the math question at first
kinderjane - I got Pathways to Play and have started reading it. It is a great book. I was a Child Development major in college, not education, so this is right up my alley!
Kelly - Jane - you'll do GREAT on that play one....you too, Dana!
Cindy - kinderjane, who wrote Pathways to Play?
kinderjane - Kelly- my kindergarten is based on play. I need to brush up on the buzz words though.
Kelly - Just keep in mind parents.....and justifying what you're doing with the kids (and what the kids are doing!) to the parents!
Kelly - Cindy - do you have a support group - where are you geographically?
kinderjane - Cindy- it is by Heidemann and Hewitt
kinderjane - I have also ordered some books on play from NAEYC. I'll let ya'll know how they are when they get here. Hey Alicebob!
Kathleen - I'm anxious to see you make use of the new chatboard we created for you at http://teachers.net/mentors/ec-gen
Dana (carbag) - For whatever the reason, I feel more nervous about the AC than the portfolio - anyone else feel that way?
Kathleen - And the mailring we established for your group: http://teachers.net/mailrings
Cindy - I am in the Warren City Schools, in Ohio. Yes, we have a support group based on the other teachers in our system, and through a professor from Youngstown State University. In fact, I will be taking a two week workshop on Nat'l Boards, preparing for them, and hopefully writing one portfolio, on Professional Dev. or Community! I am happy to have this, and I appreciate all the help from everyone here.
Dana (carbag) - Kathleen I will have to try it out!
kinderjane - Kathleen, I think that will really take off this Fall with new candidates. I was addicted to the early childhood chatboard until I started NB. I read it 4-5 times a day. I HAD to give it up when I started this.
Cindy - Thanks kinderjane for the authors!
alicebob - the ac center is not that bad. look through the guide and it is really similar to that.
Kelly - Hi above par.....need I ask how you are or have you already shared that info with your name? :) Welcome!
Kathleen - Dana, please do! We responded to requests from NBPTS candidates to establish these forums and hope to see them in use
Dana (carbag) - Cindy, do your professional - you will have it done for the real thing - otherwise, you will have to redo your community to fit your class this year.
Cindy - Thanks for the advice Dana!
alicebob - be prepared as much as you can ahead of time, that will make it easier at the center.
kinderjane - Dana- I am nervous about it, too. Such a one shot situation.
Cindy - I really like the chatboard, it is helpful!
Dana (carbag) - alicebob, did you write up essays for each strand in math and each main topic in science?
Dana (carbag) - Jane, it took me sooooo long to get my portfolio worded right - it worries me!
kinderjane - I've been working on math today. What is confusing to me, is that there is no one set of possible topics. I am so afraid I'll get one I didn't prepare for.
kinderjane - I know Dana! They won't let us send our ac responses to each other for comments, will they?
student - is this the chat for the NBPTS topic?
Dana (carbag) - No Jane! I need your input to do my writing! LOL
alicebob - dana, i have been teaching a long time and have a great deal of info. in my head, especially for math. I got lucky on the science because i taught a lot of science during the year and the topic that I was asked at the center, i did a whole unit on, so i was ready. the play area was where i had the least knowledge and i did do a great deal of research and had notes on that one. the reading which i thought i was an expert at, wrong was the area that i did terrible in and i am redoing that part. you can be sure that i am going with it already written out this time.
Kelly - Student - yes, we are all involved in Early Childhood Generalist area
student - I see. Tell me, what are the requisites and benefits?
Dana (carbag) - alicebob, several teachers who teach 2nd grade that i know personally, did not do well on the AC in literacy - maybe being the last area at the AC, everyone gets brain dead by then. Do you think that may be part of the reason?
Kelly - Student - I'm wondering if anyone else is going to jump in on this one. It would be a long answer....but basically this is the most rewarding and thorough professional development you could ever hope to have. The benefit is all within you. It's all about what YOU do in your classroom!
Kelly - Student - the prerequisites are that you be certified to teach in your state and have taught for at least 3 years.....
kinderjane - Student, what do you teach?
alicebob - dana, i have no idea, but this time i am going to be sure to include in my response, which i did not last time, that i will look for assistance from every possible person in the school for assistance with the child. in florida we call it a child study team, where everyone meets to discuss the child. i think that is an essential part of the response that i left out.
Lois - doing Ok - having a difficult time getting back into the groove for the ac
Kelly - Alicebob - another one of those "collaboration is the key" type responses! :)
kinderjane - alicebob- poor Martin in our sample prompt NEEDS assistance from everyone in the school!!!
Dana (carbag) - alicebob, did you include oral, written communication, too in your response last year?
student - So, does this mean that those new to teaching are not eligible?
Kelly - student - yes, it does mean that! But you can keep it in mind for "down the road"! :)
alicebob - at the ac center the prompt did not show a child that was in my opinion all that delayed. i am going to look at martin and see if he is the guy from last year. I am pretty sure that I had the other components, and some good activities for remediation. be right back
kinderjane - Student- You must have 3 years experience. We have one candidate in her 4th year and she is doing a great job!
Dana (carbag) - Student, you need 3 yrs experience under your belt!
student - Yes, Kelly, that is a good idea.
Lois - has anyone heard from the folks who took the ac on May 1st how it was
Cindy - Can anyone recommend any books to be reading in preparation for this fall?
kinderjane - I would not have attempted this without many years of experince.
student - What does this certification add to existing teaching certification?
Lois - I former coworker passed last year with only 4 years under her belt
student - Kinderjane, really?
Dana (carbag) - Cindy the Constructing Curriculum is great!
kinderjane - Cindy- Constructing Curriculum is very closely aligned with portfolio requirements.
alicebob - does anyone recall the prompt from last summer regarding literacy?
kinderjane - Yes, great minds think alike!
Dana (carbag) - JANE, do we think a like or not!? lOL
Kelly - Cindy - www.responsiveclassroom.org has some great books on building community in your classroom - I like "Morning Meeting" book best. Then there is the constructing curriuclum book already mentioned - you can find that at www.teacherstrategies.com (I think it's dot com!)...and Doing What Scientists Do.....that's a great one, too!
Dana (carbag) - There we go again!
Kelly - Alicebob - we can't divulge specific topics, though! :)
Dana (carbag) - Kelly, those are books that have been my favorites, too!
kinderjane - alicebob- I think you are in here with a bunch of rookies for the most part.
Cindy - Thanks ! What about the Fountas and Pinnell books on Guided Reading?
kinderjane - Cindy- I ditto Morning Meeting and Doing What Sci. Do.
alicebob - yes, i know kelly, but I remember the prompt had more info. than the scoring guide. Am I correct or have I totally forgotten????
Kelly - Cindy - yes - their books are great - Four Blocks, too....really fits into the literacy portfolio
Dana (carbag) - I have it and took a class on it - hope it is helpful!!! I will let you know - or you let me know!
Kelly - Alicebob - I did the AC in 98 - too long ago for me to remember what was in the scoring guide! Haven't looked at it since, so I'm not much help there!
kinderjane - I also love the Guided Reading book. Another favorite is Kid Writing by the Wright Group.
Dana (carbag) - Do you think Kid Writing will help at the AC, Jane?
kinderjane - Dana- I don't know. I just know it helped my children in my class write this year. Didn't they do a great job on what they wrote to you? Most of them did that on their own!
Dana (carbag) - Kelly, did you hear from the candidates who took the AC on May 1st?
Dana (carbag) - Yes Jane! They are doing "inventive spelling" and their drawings have so much detail! You have done a great job!
Dana (carbag) - I can't wait to show my class on Monday!
alicebob - i guess i will work according to the guide book and try to write out as much as possible. bought the book Classrooms that Work and hope that helps me. You can be sure I will be ready this time.
Kelly - Dana, I didn't hear anything specific from them....just that they were glad they were finished!
Kathleen - Kid Writing author Isabell Cardonick will chat live right here on Tues. May 23 at 9pmE
Kelly - Isabell is terrific!
alicebob - does anyone have the book Writing Pictures, by Takenishi?
kinderjane - Alicebob-I don;t. Tell us about it.
Kelly - Alicebob - I've not heard of that one - could you tell us something about it?
Dana (carbag) - I want to make a note of that on my calendar, Kathleen! Thanks for the info!
Kathleen - Isabell Cardonick is a member of our Book Talk mailring and will respond to questions and comments about Kid Writing on that mailring. Join at http://teachers.net/mailrings
Lois - Again - has anyone heard from the May 1st test takers?
Kelly - Nancy, I haven't been back to your site for a while. Would we maybe find a listing of possible topics for math and/or science there?
Dana (carbag) - Nancy, how are your mentees who have taken the AC felt about it? Better or worse than they expected?
kinderjane - nancy- any great advice as we prepare for the science question? just like math, I am afraid I will prepare for many topics and get one I didn't even think to prepare for.
alicebob - it is a way to get kids motivated to write. you give them a post-it and have them draw a stick figure of a moment in their lives that they recall. then it follows a frame. the first sentence is "this is a picture of me... sentence 2. "My hands are ...my feet are..." sentence 3. "I am thinking..." sentence 4. " This is what happened next..." The book keeps it going so that you add more and more detail in structured format, but I only had the intro lesson. It worked great with the low writers. you just take the post it and place it on a piece of loose leaf and wah lad.
sinetag - There is a list of content areas for science posted
sinetag - you need to be prepared for any content area, that's for sure
sinetag - Most of my mentees this year have put it off til next month
alicebob - that was supposed to read wah lah!!!
Kelly - Alicebob - sounds very interesting. Is it expensive? (my wallet screams every time I talk about books!)
sinetag - We just had our big saturday prep meeting for the candidates last saturday
Dana (carbag) - alicebob, that sounds neat! What grade do you teach? Sorry, but I forget sometimes with so many of us!
kinderjane - I am going to borrow science and health books from grades 1-3 and list all topics in those. Might narrow down some of the ones that seem totally innapropriate for first grade.
Lois - Last week end I looked over the ist grade science areas, gathered goals and objectives and did a thumb nail write up of learning sequences
alicebob - I am having a hard time getting the book. that is why i was asking about it. all the book stores can get it for about 15 dollars, but in about 6 weeks. I wanted to do more with it befor school was out. I teach third grade.
sinetag - Physical Science o Matter o Reactions and Interactions o Force and Motion o Energy: Sources and Transformations o Energy: Heat o Energy: Electricity and Magnetism o Energy: Light o Energy: Sound
sinetag - Earth Science o Astronomy o Geology and Natural Resources o Oceanography o Meteorology
sinetag - Life Science o Living Things o Cells, Genetics, and Evolution o Ecosystems
sinetag - There they are!
Lois - I'm most worried about 1st grade science and 2nd grade literacy - I haven't taught those grade in a VERY long time
Kelly - Nancy - that's enough to scare anyone off! :) Thanks for listing them again!
alicebob - oh i am so thankful only to be dealing with the literacy.
sinetag - I live to cut and paste
alicebob - lois, what grade are you teaching?
kinderjane - Oh, Nancy, is that all?!?!?! Wow!!! That is a LOT!!
sinetag - Did I email the K-3 California Science Framework to this list?
Dana (carbag) - Nancy, is the topic fairly broad? Or do we need to go within each of the topics, too?
kinderjane - Nancy- I don't think so. I think I would remember that. Please send it!
Kelly - Nancy - I don't think so.....but I cut and paste everything from the ring into separate files for each portfolio entry (or AC exercise)!....so I may have saved them but just don't remember!
Dana (carbag) - Nancy, you sent them to me - but I don't recall them being on the list -
Lois - We had our teacher's association support meeting for the ac this week - and again due to the one list I was up to date and farther ahead than most people - Thanks friends for all the info and support- this year I am teaching k - with some VERY LOW k's-
sinetag - Well, I do not know the exact questions on the EC/GEN exercise - I only know the MC/GEN exercise. I have been told that the format is similar: you are given 3 students' responses to a topic that you have not yet taught them and they write and draw what
Kelly - Jamie - you are, of course, welcome to stay and learn some about this process if you're interested! :)
sinetag - I think you would know it if I had sent the California Science Framework to you. It was NOT an Acrobat file - those were the California Challenge Standards that I sent to some people. The Science Framework was in the body of an email - yes, I actually t
sinetag - yes, I actually typed the entire K-3 science curriculum into an email.
alicebob - my advice to new teachers is to experience different grade levels, especially if you plan on taking the national boards. I have worked in first third and fourth grade, and also taught kinder and prek special education. all my years of experience sure paid off in completing these entries.
Kelly - Nancy - you need to find a hobby! :)
Dana (carbag) - You're right Nancy, I don't have it then!
Kelly - Micki - are you EC-GEN?
micki - No I'm MC gen
kinderjane - Alicebob- I worked with 3 year olds in college. I taught second grade 22 and 23 years ago. First grade 9 years ago. As I am preparing, a lot of it is coming back.
Kelly - Micki - Nancy (sinetag) is MC-GEN also - already certified - a mentor - and a great one, I might add! :)
Dana (carbag) - Kelly, I think Nancy has her calling!
micki - that sounds good!
sinetag - I just sent it to the entire list, so go check your email.
sinetag - I thought you all were my hobby
Kathleen - Hi, micki! Middle School Gen candidates will enjoy the message board at http://teachers.net/mentors/es-gen
Kelly - Nancy - thanks! :)
alicebob - kinderjane, where do you live, for the 4th time, i am probably asking? wouldn't you tell new teachers at your school to experience different grade levels?
sinetag - I'm afraid to know what they're calling me
Kelly - nancy - you're right! That's what I tell people - this group is my hobby, my life, my entertainment - all rolled into one! :)
sinetag - sounds a bit like a cult - we need a secret handshake
Dana (carbag) - I got the email already Nancy - thanks!
Kelly - Nancy - we do! It's called a mouseclick! :)
Kathleen - Live chats for all levels of NBPTS candidates on Fridays at 8pmE, right here
sinetag - very good
kinderjane - Alicebob- i love in South Carolina. I am glad I have taught other grades, but now, I only want kindergarten. My one year in first grade is the best thing I've ever done (besides) NB to be a better K teacher.
Kelly - Micki - Kathleen is right about the email groups. It's a great way to have collaboration with what you're doing!
Dana (carbag) - Micki, you make some terrific friends here!
Kelly - Jane - I've taught Pre-K to 7th. Loved them all. But I agree that teaching many levels has helped my teaching. Better perspective - and better appreciation of each! My first graders don't get lovesick or hormonal - but my 7th graders didn't wet their pants! :)
Dana (carbag) - Nancy, this process is a bit addictive, isnt it?! Kelly knows all too well! Ha
alicebob - kinderjane, are there other NBCT near you? I don't know anyone that has early childhood certification here in Miami, although I know there are two people. Not too many.
sinetag - next we will have a 12-step group
Dana (carbag) - Good idea, Nancy!
micki - I've taught special ed from pre to 12 and elementary 1, 2, 4, and now 6th. They all have their highpoints - I think each teacher has to find his/her niche!
kinderjane - Thanks Nancy! I'll have to wait to print. My printer is out of ink. Seems I just put a new cartridge in, but did so much printing to get portfolio ready!
Dana (carbag) - I knew I was addicted when I couldn't get up at night without checking the e-mail!
Kelly - Nancy - do you remember some of the posts on the nbpts website last year - one of them was about a 12 step program for us. I saved all of those, too.....I think for comic relief I'll post a couple of them to the ring!
Kathleen - Kelly, why not post the 12 step program on the chatboard http://teachers.net/mentors/ec-gen ?
Kathleen - alicebob, try posting that question at http://teachers.net/mentors/ec-gen and you might find someone to hook up with. Also on the mailring
sinetag - yes, beware - it's about 20 pages
sinetag - yes please do
Dana (carbag) - Kelly, I would like to see the posts about the 12 step program!
alicebob - Kathleen, I will try that. on the mailring I asked and not one response. teachers in Miami keep to themselves. very competitive, and i don't think that too many like their jobs. we have a tough population down here. you have to be truly dedicatedl
kinderjane - alicebob- there are NO NBCT's in my district....yet. There are two other ec-gen candidates, both teach first grade
Kathleen - alicebob, have you signed up for the ec-gen mailring on Teachers.Net?
kinderjane - I don't see Caddyjoy here yet. I e-mailed her the link. Hope she shows!
micki - Katheleen- Is there one for MC GEN?
Kelly - My colleagues think National Board is something I "do".....they don't have a clue about it....not interested. I try to involve some, but they just aren't interested. One even applied - got the box and everything.....read through it and closed it up and never went back to it! She tells everyone I'm nuts!
alicebob - Kathleen, I am on the onelist, how do I sign to the ring on teacher's net? although my husband will probably have a canary and tell me to get my own computer.
kinderjane - Kelly- you ARE nuts! We ALL are! :-)
Dana (carbag) - Kelly, your colleague just doesn't know what she is missing, does she?!
alicebob - Kelly, I can relate to that. I showed the box to one of my good teacher friends and she just looked at me and laughed.
micki - It's very hard to explaing NB to others.
sinetag - that's why it's a cult
sinetag - soon your family will call an intervention and hire a deprogrammer
Dana (carbag) - Amen,Nancy!
kinderjane - You are right Mickey. That's why this sort of support is so valuable.
alicebob - I find it hard just being an enthusiastic dedicated teacher sometimes.
Kathleen - alice, just go to http://teachers.net/mailrings and check ec-gen and fill in your e-mail address
kinderjane - alicebob- do you mean because of resentment of others?
Kathleen - micki, there is one for ec-gen and another for all other levels
micki - I talked to many at the end when I was trying frantically to finish my protfolio. I'd like to let them know that certification is very doable, I just got a case of wrier's block and I tend to put things off anyway so I was NUTS!!!
Dana (carbag) - Too many people are in teaching for the wrong reasons - some don't even like kids - aren't "called" to do what we do!
Dana (carbag) - Good Kelly! It will make good late night reading for those of us who are night owls!
alicebob - kinderjane, yes. so many people I work with are so negative, they comment that I am wasting my time with my ideas and projects. I actually get excited to try a new idea, like that Writing Pictures, that I posted before. I guess they just don't feel the same about their job..
kinderjane - micki- I guess I am the opposite. I am like the turtle in the tortoise and the hare. I work slow and steady. I can honestly say I worked on my portfolio every day from early Nov. to April, except Christmas Day..
Dana (carbag) - I get excited and like to do different things each year - it keeps me from getting bored - which, in turn, loses the kids, too!
kinderjane - alicebob-we need to just form a school with all of us!
alicebob - Kinderjane, imagine that.
Kelly - Debbie Mc and I say we're starting our own charter school......only nbpts folks! :) Wouldn't that be terrific???
alicebob - Yes Kelly, count me in.
kinderjane - Joy, now that you have made it, it is time for me to go! Prince Charming has my chariot ready to go to the ball. Well maybe Wal-Mart and Staples. I'll catch up in the archives! Jane :-)
Dana (carbag) - Can I apply, Kelly?!
Kathleen - I always wished I could start a school with just the people I selected to work with.
alicebob - Bye Kinderjane... i will be leaving soon too. I have been on for over an hour.
Kelly - Dana - you already have! Anyone who has been through this process is welcome!
Kathleen - kinder, don't stay out too late and turn into a pumpkin!
sinetag - Are any of you going to ASCD's conference next March or PEN's conference next November?
Kelly - Nancy - what's PEN's? I"m not familar with that...
Kathleen - sisnetag, where is ASCD meeting in March?
sinetag - Public Education Network
Kelly - I'm going to NEA in Chicago in July.....and maybe nbpts in Orlando...don't know about that though....
sinetag - I'm going to the NBCT meeting in Orlando
Kathleen - I thought NEA always met in New Orleans?
Joy - Hey dana!!!!! How have you been doing?
Kelly - Kathleen - rotates every year. Was in New Orleans last year (or was it year before?). Chicago this year.
Dana (carbag) - Okay! How about you?
Kelly - Hey Nancy, if I go I'll finally get to meet you! I didn't know you when I was in Washington last October for it.
Dana (carbag) - Joy, when are you and Pattie taking the AC?
Joy - Is anyone else overwhelemed by Assessment Center?
Dana (carbag) - I am Joy!
sinetag - Yes that was a great conference
Joy - I am trying to write something in each subject area to take with me but i don't know if I'll ever finish!
Dana (carbag) - How is Pattie?
sinetag - PEN's conference is also in DC
Joy - We take it June 13. When do you go?
Kelly - Who all belongs to PEN Nancy?
sinetag - PEN is a national non-profit organization which supports education and teachers around the country
sinetag - I work here in Los Angeles with a local non-profit called The Los Angeles Educational Partnership
sinetag - Last year I went to PEN's conference to do a presentation with another person from LA and one of the NBPTS vice-presidents
Joy - Sounds great sinetag. I'm empressed!
sinetag - I'm going back again this year to do a different presentation
Joy - impressed
Kelly - Nancy - what did you present? And what will you present next March?
sinetag - If you're curious, PEN's web site is: http://www.publiceducation.org
sinetag - last year at PEN we presented on why LEFs (local education funds) should support the National Board process
sinetag - this year we are presenting a sustained peer coaching model that I am involved with
sinetag - we hope to also present on that topic at ASCD's conference in Boston in March
Kelly - nancy - sounds very interesting. I'll check out the website - thanks!
Dana (carbag) - I go in July - the 11th
Kelly - Nancy - will you be presenting in Orlando for nbpts?
Dana (carbag) - I need to go girls! Joy, please tell Pattie Hi for me!
Kelly - Bye Dana - talk to you later!
sinetag - i haven't decided whether or not to apply to present in Orlando
sinetag - well I am off
