isube - Hi susan. are you still there?
Susan (NC) - yes I am
isube - I am assuming NC means North Carolina?
Susan (NC) - that is right-
isube - Are you a teacher and if so what do you teach? I teach kinergarten in SC
Susan (NC) - I am a K-5 reading teacher but I taught K for 7 years.
Patrice in KY - Greetings gang!!
isube - Susan are you a reading recovery teacher?
isube - what do the rest of you teach?
Patrice in KY - What is the makeup o the group today...newbies, NBs, CIWs?
Jenn K - I teach 4th grade in NJ
isube - This is my eighth year. K for six and first for one
Patrice in KY - I am kindergarten, isube
Laura - What does CIWS mean? First time here.
Jenn K - This will be my fifth year teaching 4th
Patrice in KY - Laura, CIW is candidate in waiting.
isube - Does NB mean national board?
Patrice in KY - yes, isube
Susan (NC) - Got bumped! will try again-
isube - i am thinking about going through it this year, but scared to death?
Laura - I guess that would be me. However I have not takent the test yet. I take it on Tuesday!! Thank you Patrice!
Patrice in KY - Don't you just hate that, Susan?
isube - Good Luck!!! Laura
Susan (NC) - I am not reading recovery but love reading in the lower grades especially-
Laura - Thank you. I am very nervous. Has anyone here taken it yet?
Susan (NC) - Does anyone know if Kelly will be here today?
Patrice in KY - Laura, you will be an oficial CIW in mere days!!!
isube - Laura, what did you get your nationals in?
Patrice in KY - Is this NY Ginger???
ginger - yep, laura, i took it a couple of weeks ago
ginger - yes, sweet patrice
Laura - EC generalist. Am I in the right place?
ginger - how are you, girl?
Patrice in KY - Laura...I became CIW the first week of June.
ginger - you sure are, laura
isube - I am going for EC Generalist. What did you think of it?
Patrice in KY - GINGER!!
Laura - Hey Ginger-How do you think you did?
Patrice in KY - Are you home yet?
ginger - nope, still in CA until the 25th of August
Patrice in KY - You are in the best possible place, Laura.
ginger - laura, i thought it was okay, but i have been very busy second guessing myself since then
Laura - isube-It was alot of work, but I am sure you have heard that already.
Patrice in KY - Wow, your school must not start for a while, huh?
Laura - Ginger, I sure I will do the same
isube - HAHAHA - yes, I don't have any children and I have alot of time on my hands. do you think you did well?
ginger - we didn't get out til june 26 and don't start til Sept. 4 or 5
Patrice in KY - isub, have you aready applied?
isube - Patrice - No, I apply in October
ginger - laura, what grade do you teach?
Patrice in KY - You are smart to be on the ring this early.
isube - What do you guys suggest I do beforehand to prepare for it?
Laura - Yes, I do not have any children either. So that is why I decided to do it now. I do not know how I did, just tried my best.
ginger - isube, smart girl. get all the info you can before you even apply.
Laura - I teach Kindergarten in SC
isube - I'm sure you did GREAT!!!
ginger - you and patrice both teach k. I teach 2
isube - Laura - I teach K in SC too.
Laura - Thanks-I guess I will see in November
Patrice in KY - I spent the last three days getting my room ready.
Laura - Where in SC? I teach in Irmo
ginger - oh, i guess i'm the only one with kids that don't need help with zippers!
ginger - patrice, when do you start?
isube - I teach in Charleston. Not too far from you.
Patrice in KY - We start August 7
ginger - Maybe next year I could visit your class before we start!!!
Laura - Ginger, what grade do you teach?
Laura - Isube-that is not far at all
Patrice in KY - Hey, Ginger!!! Come on!
ginger - isube, i loved visiting Charleston two years ago. What a lovely city
ginger - i teach 2nd, laura
isube - Laura - I am teaching summer school this year and I am taking my kids to Riverbanks Zoo on Monday.
ginger - i teach about an hour north of NYC
isube - Ginger - what places did you visit?
Patrice in KY - Oh...you can make it to KY too, Ginger.
Laura - We go there every year? My kids love it!
ginger - we stayed downtown and just went everywhere. Lots of walking. we like the architecture
Patrice in KY - Do we have any NBs on today?
Laura - Ginger-second seems like to would be a fun grade to teach
ginger - patrice, i am going to seriously think about that
ginger - isube, you were asking what yo could do to get ready. Have you been reading any books mentioned on the ring yet?
Laura - any tips for last minute studying for the test.
Patrice in KY - Ginger, you still have summer time stretching ahead of you, don't you, Ginger!!
isube - Laura - what do you think of the SC standards?
ginger - tons, patrice. lots of time to lay on the beach and read
Patrice in KY - Laura, really do remember...deep breaths.
isube - G - no! Can you mention some?
Laura - thanks Patrice
Laura - I am worried about 30 minutes not being enough time
Patrice in KY - Laura, I think it took to the third question before I felt I had some momentum going.
isube - Let me ask you all who have gone through getting certidied. Does it really tell if you are a good teacher or good writer?
ginger - laura, reread the standards and think . How would you assess a certain topic? How would you introduce a topic? how would you structure lessons within a topic?
Laura - isube-I am not bery fond of the SCRA are you?
Patrice in KY - The time flies, just concentrate on answering one question at a time.
Laura - Patrice-Did you run out of time on any?
isube - Laura - a teacher at my school went through it this past year and she said 30 min. was really not long enough. You have to pretty much know exactly what you want to say and type away.
ginger - isube, i don't think there are any certified teachers here today,we are all waiting to hear if we made it
Patrice in KY - isube, it does NOT say anything for your writing.
Patrice in KY - No, Laura
Patrice in KY - I had time to proof each one of my answers once.
ginger - laura, i didn't run out of time, but I know i would have loved to have an hour to think about stuff. but we are all in the same boat, and it's not impossible
isube - I heard that you need to be a great writer to get through it.
Laura - Patrice-thats good to hear. Did you kind of have an idea of what you were going to say ahead of time
Patrice in KY - isube, the writing part of the portfolio falls to the wayside because you chop it up so to meet the length requirements.
Laura - Thanks ginger-It is good to hear that you had enough time to answer
ginger - no, isube, i don't believe that for a minute. they do NOT want to see intricate, voluminous writing. you have to be concise, and convincing.
Patrice in KY - Laura, no. I did what Ginger suggested earlier. I imagined possible scenarios and went from there.
isube - Ginger - that is what I thought.
Laura - okay thanks
ginger - i thnk the iowa practice was more valuable than the one on the nbpts site
Laura - Are there any surprises-or are the 6 topics they gave us accurate
ginger - the nbpts site didn't help me
isube - Laura - you can go on the NBPTS website and do a mock test. I did it and it let me know how the test is organized and what they are expecting.
Patrice in KY - I really think so too, Ginger.
Laura - What Iowa practice?
ginger - there are no tricks. just learn what you can about your weakest subject so you can shine in your best, and be steady on the others
Patrice in KY - Laura, they meant what they said with the prompts...just as promised.
ginger - oh, laura, i don't have the address anymore, but it's all over the ring
Laura - Okay thanks
ginger - ask someone again online and someone will be kind enough to send it to you
Laura - I am glad that there are no tricks
Laura - I am going to be so nervous, but glad when it is all done
Patrice in KY - I am looking right now for the site. Hang on. I have it here somewhere.
Laura - great thanks
ginger - when you do the protfolio, you begin to think that all the rules are so overwhelming. But the AC is just very straightforward
isube - The local college is having a course you can take to help you through the boards. Do you think I should get into it?
ginger - patrice is a true hero- she knows everything!
ginger - definitely, isube. My area didn't have one but I would have taken it if they did
Patrice in KY - LOL, don't I wish, Ginger!!!
Laura - I think a course could be helpful
ginger - hey, you weren't supposed to hear me say that!!
isube - No one at my school is going through it. I am going all on my on.
Patrice in KY - Here you go, http://fp.uni.edu/nbpts/Registration/registration.htm
Patrice in KY - isube, you will have tons of support on this ring. You will be fine.
Laura - Then the course would be great for you. Meet others in your area who are going through it
Laura - Thank you Patrice
ginger - isube, i was the first in my district. Stay close to tthis ring- it will help a lot
Laura - I wish I knew about this ring earlier, however I may be going through this again next year
isube - Patrice - what was the website for again.
Patrice in KY - One of these days I am going to gather all the webistes I have saved and send them to the ring. I have a year's worth bookmarked!
ginger - i have to go to the store for fruit salad stuff. Big family dinner today. Love to all, see ya on the ring
isube - Don't think like that Laura.
Patrice in KY - isube, that site is a good assessment practice site
isube - it is different than the one on NBPTS?
Patrice in KY - isube, has anyone suggested you get the book Morning Meeting?
Laura - Thanks for the site Patrice, I am going to visit it right away
isube - I have that book!
Patrice in KY - You will do fine, Laura...Deep breaths and think like a teacher.
Laura - Thank you for you help, I am off to study again. Talk to you later
Patrice in KY - isube, great! That book will help with your soc.st. entry
Laura - Thanks Patrice!!!! Are you guys on here every sat
Patrice in KY - Good luck on Tues, Laura. Will keep you in my prayers. Bye
Patrice in KY - Yes, Laura
isube - Great. I tried to go online to see if I could preview the topics that I will be doing my portfolio on but I don't think I can do that.
isube - Bye Laura
Patrice in KY - isube, did you say you have ben reading up on inquiry science
Laura - Thanks-bye isube and Patrice-I will come back next Sat- and let you guys know how I did
Patrice in KY - yes, you can, isube.
isube - No, I haven't
isube - I think you have to register first don't you?
Patrice in KY - let me give you a good inquiry science site and no, you don't have to register first. The guidelines are online at the NB site.
isube - I've tried everything to get the prompts.
Patrice in KY - http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/scienceline/video.shtm
isube - How do you think you did, Patrice?
Patrice in KY - isube, let me check it out real quickly.
Patrice in KY - isube, anybody's guess is as good as mine.
Patrice in KY - It really is a waiting game.
isube - thanks for the website
isube - The teacher that went through it this past year is an awesome teacher, but she doesn't think she did well. She is going for middle childhood gen.
Patrice in KY - On the NB site did you click on the 2002-2003 candidate area?
isube - Did that bring up the registration page?
Patrice in KY - I think most of the teachers who feel confident enough to go for this are outstanding teachers.
isube - I went to the map and clicked on SC then it took me to something else and then it was going to make me register. I don't want to do that until Oct.
Patrice in KY - no...hang on...let me check again.
isube - How are you going back and forth out of the chat room into NBPTS?
Patrice in KY - I have it bookmarked and then close it out when finished. Earlier I just minimized the page.
isube - okay...hold on...let me try now!
Patrice in KY - isube, try clicking on the candidate resource page and then the 2001-2002 candidates
isube - still trying...if I;m kicked off I'll come right back
isube - okay...got it...then what?
Patrice in KY - isube, below the map of 2002-2003 there is something that says candidate guide. That is what you want.
Patrice in KY - it may take a while to download. It is a LARGE document.
isube - okay...i am trying that right now. thanks for all of your help. hey, is it as hot there as it is here?
Patrice in KY - Tooay is great. A cool front moved in and we are just in the upper 80s.
isube - When do you start back to school?
Patrice in KY - Aug. 5
Patrice in KY - How about you
Patrice in KY - are you getting the ring emails
isube - August 7th and kids come back the 12th
isube - No, how do i get those?
Patrice in KY - do you have inservices before school then?
isube - Oh, yes, you know how "they" want to fill up all of our time with nonsence instead of letting us get aou rooms together.
Patrice in KY - oh, isube! You need to get those. You can register for them or I can give you the address of the person over the ring. She will take care of you. What is your email address and I will send the info to you. The E Ring is incredible.
isube - My email address is irissube@aol.com. What is your email. I would love to talk to you when I go through NB if you don't mind?
Debbi - I am entering late-where are we
Patrice in KY - mccamp400@aol.com
Patrice in KY - I am always happy to visit about NB.
Debbi - I have had the registration form for 2 years, read the handbook and now have made a commitment to participate in the process this year
Debbi - I am going to apply for the ec gen
Patrice in KY - Welcome to the NB world, Debbi.
Patrice in KY - Hi, Laura.
Laura - Hey you guys I am glad you are still here. Patrice could you plese give me that Iowa website again I must of written it down wrong. Thanks
Debbi - are there any tips on how to prepare this summer to smooth the process during the school year?
Patrice in KY - sure...hang on.
Laura - Thank you Patrice
iris/isube - hey, i got booted out. I have to go. My neighbor is haveing a housewarming and we have to be there in 30 min. Hope to talk to you soon bye all.
Patrice in KY - http://fp.uni.edu/nbpts/Registration/explanation.htm
Debbi - Is this a regular meeting place for some of you for support?
Patrice in KY - I think I gave you the wrong one earlier.
Patrice in KY - by iris, I will email you.
Laura - Thank you so much Patrice-talk to you later-off to study
Patrice in KY - yes, Debbi
Patrice in KY - no problem, Laura, bye.
Debbi - Patrice have you gone through the process?
iris/isube - Hi, Debbie. Sorry I had to run and not chat. Hope to chat with you soon.
Patrice in KY - Debbi, are you a member of the EC-Gen ring?
Patrice in KY - I am a CIW
Debbi - not yet
Patrice in KY - Candidate in Waiting
Debbi - what is CIW?
Debbi - ohhhh
Patrice in KY - I have finished everything...lived to tell about it and am now waiting for my scores.
Debbi - what has helped you set up this year and manage your time?
Patrice in KY - I was just where you are this time last year
Debbi - what is more than you expected?
LNChloe - so was I ...hi everyone
Patrice in KY - I got my calendar out and set up a timeline and then really stuck with it.
LNChloe - yes, alot of work....more than I expected
Patrice in KY - Hello LNChloe.....how are ya?
Debbi - Organization is the key then? I am going to ask my principal to proof and edit my responses.
LNChloe - fine...Patrice...you soulnd very organized
Patrice in KY - Yes, Debbi, I must admit, it was more than I thought it would be.
LNChloe - I began working on Entry 4 first...are there the same number and types of entries this year
Debbi - Patrice-when did you order your "box"
Patrice in KY - LOL!!! not really,
Patrice in KY - I reg. and got my box in September.
Debbi - Would it have helped to have it earlier or can you get it earlier- I may register now
Patrice in KY - The portfolio requirements are supposed to be posted online now
LNChloe - well friends...thought I'd have time to chat but must run off...my niece (newborn) is calling me...
Patrice in KY - I personally think the earlier the better. That way you begin absorbing the standards.
LNChloe - good luck Debbi....bye Patrice
Patrice in KY - Have fun LNChloe!
Debbi - I read a book from Stenhouse about the process and some people who had been through the process and I believe it is helpful to me to know what to expect.
LNChloe - now that I'm a CIW I can actually do fun things
Patrice in KY - You got that right!!!!
Patrice in KY - Debbi, did you say you are a member of the EC ring
Debbi - No I am not- how do I become a member? I am a member of the 4blocks ring
Debbi - Is the same set up?
Patrice in KY - The ring is an ongoing line of support. Let me send you the contact person's address.
Debbi - thank you
Patrice in KY - Do you mind giving me your email address?
Patrice in KY - I would prefe not to post Kelly's address without her here.
Debbi - no, not at all. It's elhutcho@yahoo.com
Patrice in KY - thanks! I will send her address to you right now.
Debbi - How was the assessment center experience for you-what was the test focus?
Patrice in KY - the prompts are listed online....at least the guidelines.
Patrice in KY - I really don't have a clue as to how I did...I am really in the waiting game now. :
Debbi - Under what link?
Debbi - Do you feel the process made you a better educator?
Patrice in KY - Should be under the candidate resource section
Patrice in KY - Oh,YES!
Patrice in KY - This was the most incredible professional development I have EVER been through.
Patrice in KY - No matter what, I have NO regrets.
Debbi - Becuse you had to examine what you did and relate it to the standards?
Patrice in KY - I emailed you Kelly's address. You can email her and ask about joining the EC e-ring
Debbi - Thank you- I will do that as soon as possible.
Patrice in KY - Yes, I looked harder at my teaching than ever before. I also learned tons of NEW strategies based on best practice.
Patrice in KY - Be prepared for periods of some heavy email.
Debbi - What types of references or research did you use to help you?
Patrice in KY - The ring is made up of Newbies, such as you, CIWs, like me, NBs who are wonderul and bankers.
Patrice in KY - Reading about Inquiry science was a biggie for me
Debbi - I do not know anyone in my area that has gone through or is going through the process so I am eager for any support be it tons of e-mails or such.
Patrice in KY - There are some terrific websites.
Debbi - why bankers?
Debbi - what are some good websites?
Patrice in KY - Only 42% make certification level on the first go.
Patrice in KY - There is no shame in banking.
Debbi - I have read that- it is a bit intimidating!
Patrice in KY - Yes, but no matter what....you are a step along the way.
Debbi - I am probably being stupid, but I don't get the banking. Is it because they want to loan you money for the fees?
Debbi - Iam excited, I see it as a challenge and a process of growth and validation for my professional knowledge.
Patrice in KY - No, there is a rubric showing what you have to do to score a 275 or above. If you don't meet that level then you redo what you need to redo....very high standards.
Patrice in KY - and no...you are not being stupid.
Patrice in KY - I have your email address so I will email you some good websites to get started on.
Patrice in KY - I am going to scoot. Have a good week and maybe I will see you on the ring. The chat is also every Sat. and usually there are many of us.
Debbi - That would be great- I truly appreciate all your help!
Patrice in KY - Take care, Debbi. Bye.
Patrice in KY - glad to help
