Wendy - Hi Teri
prektchr2 - so what do they usually talk about in here?
Wendy - NBC
prektchr2 - what else...??? LOL
Wendy - this group is for EC GEn NBC candidates and certified teachers
Wendy - Carol, I am Wendy in FL an NBCT
Wendy - And this is my friend Teri a new candidate
prektchr2 - im a wannabe?
Wendy - no you are a candidate
Wendy - Teri teaches in my district
prektchr2 - oh cool..i moved up in the ranks...wow
carol - I have my BOX and am busy reading the directions over and over. Can we talk about SS and Sci?
Wendy - sure
Lana - Carol, what can we help you with on SS and Science?
prektchr2 - sure i need help in everything
prektchr2 - ok..let me throw out my idea about social studies
prektchr2 - im thinking about the unit all about me and the family, community and then branching it into the australian games ? is that too much?
carol - I'd like to find a good science topic and try to do it before Christmas because I have a student teacher who could video. Our grade level plans together and we are doing animal classes. One week reptiles, one week mammals, etc.--not very discovery oriented
Lana - Prektchr2 - That might be a lot...
Lana - Carol, do you have access to Foss kits?
prektchr2 - would the olympic games be good then?
carol - yes, we have the insect one now. I'll get the weather one after Christmas. Should I wait and use it? Is there another one I can ask for ?
Lana - PK - do you have the book Constructing Curriculum?
Wendy - I think too much
prektchr2 - my assistant has some great ideas for it...i think an animal a day from australia
prektchr2 - no
Lana - Carol, I did the insect one on mealworms and felt it went very well.
Lana - Pr K - you might want to stick to something a little closer to what the children know - in order to build upon what they have prior knowledge of
carol - My kids are LOVING the mealworm observations but it came so early in the year, I wasn't ready to do NB . We are doing some of the AIMS act. with it too.
Wendy - Teri are you talking about science?
Debbie Mc. - Teri are you prektchr2
prektchr2 - maybe we can travel into the outback..have kiwi for snack and sing about that tree..you know the song i am talking about wendy?
prektchr2 - no ss
Wendy - One of the teaches in my group did mealworms
prektchr2 - science huh..animals..thats what i thought!
Debbie Mc. - The Great Kapok Tree
prektchr2 - yes debbie..prek
Wendy - kookabarra
carol - Should I hush on my sci and listen to you talk about SS? I need help with both and I may be confusing everyone.
prektchr2 - no the tree from australia..there is a song
prektchr2 - kookabarra..thats it
prektchr2 - no im sorry..go ahead
Debbie Mc. - Kookabarra sits in the old gum tree.
Sharon - Carol, What do you teach? Can you get your kids engaged in research?
carol - I teach 26 precious and lively 2nd graders.
Debbie Mc. - Merry merry king of the bush is he. Laugh kookabarra laugh. Kookabarra gay your life must be. Is that it?
Wendy - carol ask what you want
Sharon - Great! They would certainly be able to research a particular animal...earthworms, for example. That's a great way to involve inquiry learning along with the hands-on "stuff".
Wendy - Important for the video to be inquiry
Debbie Mc. - At the NBPTS facilitator's meeting, I saw a great video on the five senses. I think you could make anything inquiry based with a little thought.
carol - I thought an outdoor activity in groups would be great. We have lots of places to explore. Can you think of any specific activities? I thought of putting down a string circle and letting them explore that habitat.
Wendy - Teri with the age of your kids, Austrailia might be a bit abstract for them
Wendy - Did anyone get a letter from Barb Kelley about China?
prektchr2 - ok
prektchr2 - so you think all about me and the family is better?
Lana - Wendy, no what was it about?
prektchr2 - maybe branch out to the community around them..was thinking of a trip to downtown dunedin
Sharon - I did, Wendy.
Lana - PreK - Yes, my vote is me and my family; keep it simple and relevant to the little ones
Wendy - Hoola hoops make good borders for work areas
Debbie Mc. - Me and my family for social studies?
prektchr2 - what do you think wendy?
carol - What could I have the children look for?
prektchr2 - science im thinking water..nice and easy....colors in water...water in the winter and float and sink
Carol - Anyone done an outside activity with a bordered area to explore? What could be the goal? What would the children need to look for?
Lana - Kelly, my NEA affiliate is getting wishy-washy about Orlando. I'm going anyway; I've already got my tickets!
Debbie Mc. - Lana, I'm having the same problem.
Wendy - Teri, I do think closer to your kids is better
Susan (NC) - I have some many ideas just swimming around and thought if I don't start putting "thoughts to paper" I will never accomplish NB!
Wendy - downtown would be a good field trip
Lana - My school district is very supportive; it's the NEA affiliate that says one thing but acts in another way...
Debbie Mc. - Susan, war and peace started with one word.
Carol - I'm impressed that you are already writing,
Susan (NC) - I have never been on this chat when there was this number of people...great!
prektchr2 - cool...than thats what i will do..you think to start with me..then family and then community would be good?
Wendy - Carol anything live in the area...let them sort living and nonliving things they find
Lana - Debbie, we'll have to talk about it in Orlando ;)
Susan (NC) - I'm excited the special microphone I ordered just arrived!
Debbie Mc. - They were going to pay all first. Then they said to try to get the district to pay half. The district said yes. Now they want the district to pay all.
Debbie Mc. - Susan, now you can start videoing!
Kelly #4 - I'm working on NEA to have their state affiliates be more supportive! :)
Lana - Debbie, that sounds like a song I've heard!
Wendy - Sounds good Teri
Carol - Thanks, Wendy, that gets me thinking. I figure if it doesn't work, I can try another topic later.
Lana - Once I'm certified, I'm going to make a lot of noise within my local NEA.
Kelly #4 - Lana - good for you! Hey, Lark! Glad you made it!
Debbie Mc. - Now they can't promise me anything. I refuse to ask them again. If I could tell you some of the things they spend our money on! Lana, I am the only one certified and I'm not in their clique and that's the problem.
Susan (NC) - Debbie, I can't believe your district is being so unsupportive; after all you have been through!
prektchr2 - great..im excited about it...didnt want to do an economics project this year with all this going on
Lark - Thanks. I have some questions about retaking a portfolio entry.
Debbie Mc. - Susan, it's not my district. It's my local ed. assoc.
Lana - To all newbies who have started writing - good for you. The early bird gets the worm in this process, I think - giving yourselves time to rewrite!
Lana - I'm looking forward to changing education! I think NB will do it. My affiliate doesn't like it because it likes all teachers being clones of each other.
Lark - I want to redo the teaching learning sequence. The last time I did it on Careers. Can I use the same unit of study just redo the evedence?
Wendy - I thought I got the letter because I know Barb and have worked with Betty
Debbie Mc. - Lark, I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question.
Lana - Wendy, what was your letter about, if it's okay to ask...
Kelly #4 - I want to know what you're doing with China and nbpts!
Debbie Mc. - Wendy, tell us what the "China" letter says. If I'm not being nosy!
Lana - Lark, I heard we have to do different lessons, but you ought to ask nbpts directly.
prektchr2 - the rewite is the key lana...just read that...wrote my professional part now 3 times..ugh :(
Lana - Lark, now I'm scared... I did my unit on careers. Any ideas why it didn't fly?
Sharon 2 - The letter from Barb Kelley was about a delegation to China in April of next year. Sounds very interesting but it is for 2 weeks and is expensive ..especially if your husband goes with you.
Lana - Sharon, how would we get out of school?
Debbie Mc. - What's the purpose of the trip?
Lana - Sharon, what if somebody else's husband comes with me.....;)
Sharon 2 - LOL , Lana. The purpose is to participate in an examination of teaching standards in China and the U.S. and learn how advanced levels of teaching practice are identified. END OF QUOTE!
Kelly #4 - Sharon - sounds neat! Are you going to go?
Lana - I'll bet NBCTIW didn't get the letters...yet
Debbie Mc. - Well, I'm an NBCT and I haven't got a letter yet. I can't even get to the NBCT conference though. Sigh.
Sharon 2 - There is not enough Dramamine in this part of the world to get me through a flight to China!
Lana - Debbie, could you go above your local NEA affiliate and ask on the national level ?
Kelly #4 - Debbie - We're GOING to get you there! SOMEHOW! ..... Sharon, I"m with you.....I get claustrophobic in airplanes!
Kelly #4 - Debbie - how about trying on the NEA state level?
Lana - Is Kelly #4 Kelly-Mom?
Debbie Mc. - I could ask on the state level but I hate to do that. They contacted me and asked me to go to Seattle. Do you think that's appropriate Kelly?
Lana - Debbie, are you from Washington state?
Sharon 3 - Debbie, does your district not have funds for professional development?
Kelly #4 - Lana - yes, it's me - with my split personalities!
Debbie Mc. - No, Kentucky. My district office and the state have been very supportive. Sharon, my local ed. assoc offered to pay all. Then they changed it to half if the district would pay half. The district said yes, now the local has changed again to the district paying all.
Susan (NC) - I think I must have missed about 5 minutes of chat, Debbie - there must be something we can do to get your trip o.k.!
Kelly #4 - Hey, Wendy - any more speaking engagements? :)
Lana - Kelly, is Lark, who was on the chat ,a banker?
Sharon 4 - They will come through. After all aren't you doing mentoring for them?
Debbie Mc. - Susan, I'm sorry we should be answering your questions. Wendy tell us about your speaking engagements.
Debbie Mc. - Mentoring if for the state board of education and my district. My local has nothing to do with it and doesn't support NBC much.
Kelly #4 - Lana - yes, I think she must have stayed out one year and is now preparing to resubmit an entry.
Kelly #4 - Debbie - how about your state board of ed? Make your case that you will learn a lot that will help you attracting candidates and being able to help them through the process!
Lana - Oh, I did "careers" for my ss unit and was going to ask her some questions so that I'd have more to worry about before November!
Wendy - I got a call to talk at a conference in Tampa for university professors
Debbie Mc. - That's great Wendy. I know you did us proud!
Susan (NC) - Is Sharon 3 & 4 the same person? Thought you might be getting bumped off too!
Wendy - Just praying I do not get dry mouth
Debbie Mc. - Lana, remember that it's has a lot to do with your write up.
Susan (NC) - Wendy, was your conference in Tampa at U.S.F?
Debbie Mc. - Remember Wendy. You know more about NBC than they do!
Lana - I know, but it's so fun worrying about every little thing now. When will I ever get to worry this much again?!
Kelly #4 - Wendy - maybe a marguarita ahead of time would "loosen" you up! :)
Debbie Mc. - Lana, you'll be tied in knots trying to promote NBC. And frustrated.
Wendy - LOL I think not
Wendy - I would have an asthma attack
Lana - Debbie, I've already found that out. It is frustrating. But I think the time is here to bring significant changes to education. Is that my 60's personality coming through?
Debbie Mc. - Sure you do! You've been there. Have they?
Susan (NC) - When November finally arrives, a lot more NBCT will be on the list. I think some school systems will change their tune and become more supportive!
Lana - Yes, I've read on the nbpts web site that NBCTs are "mutants" Look out world of education!
Wendy - All I kno wis that the conference i in the Tampa Bay area.
Sharon 4 - I feel very fortunate to be in a state and especially a district that puts high value on becoming NB certified.
Lana - Wendy, are you going to the NB conference in Orlando?
Wendy - Our union is the best promotion for NBC
Wendy - I am going to Orlando
Lana - sharon, you are fortunate and so are the children you teach!
Susan (NC) - Wendy , the reason I asked if the conference was at U.S.F. that's my old alma mater.......lots have changed since I graduated!
Wendy - I have 2 degrees from USF
Lana - Good, Wendy, I'm looking forward to meeting you. You sent me all kinds of good stuff from NEA Florida, I believe...
Lana - Is Kelly#5 Kelly#4 who is Kelly Mom?
Wendy - I do like to share
Susan (NC) - I'm wondering if Dr. Goforth is still at U.S.F. She was my favorite professor! Gloria Houston (children's books author) was from there too. Now Gloria is in NC.
Debbie Mc. - I'm afraid it's my local ed. assoc. that's not doing much to support. The state and the region are great!
Wendy - Which campus Susan?
Lana - The NEA affiliate in the northern part of our state got NB teachers 3% raise; ours got us 0%...
Wendy - Not crazy about your union Debbie?
Susan (NC) - Wendy , I went to the Tampa campus although since I lived in St. Pete; I took a couple of classes there too.
Sharon 4 - Lana, are you in Florida?
Debbie Mc. - No, the state and region people are great. It's just such a clique here in the district.
Wendy - I graduated with my bachelors from St. Pete in 89
Lana - Sharon, I'm in Nevada
Debbie Mc. - Wendy, did you read what I said about my local and my trip to the NBC conference?
Wendy - Debbie yu should get more involved and show them what priorities should be.
Susan (NC) - Wendy, I graduated with the dinosaurs back in '71!
Sharon 4 - Susan you are getting personal now!!
Lana - Susan, I graduated with the dinosaurs' parents in '69!
Wendy - was talking to my sister and trying to keep up here. Did you say they were not supporting your effort to go to NBC conference?
Susan (NC) - Opps! Sorry about that......I'm not getting older but better!
Debbie Mc. - They don't like outsiders much. They resented that the state assoc. contacted me instead of one of them.
Wendy - Susan that would be 29 years ago, I doubt your professor is left there. If she is she may be coveren in ivy.
Susan (NC) - Lana, that was funny - what grade do you teach?
Wendy - But I got my BS when I was 40
Sharon 4 - I definitely feel that way too, Susan. Do you ever want to call out to your first crop of kids and say, "Come back, I'm doing it much better now"?
Lana - 2nd - this is my 30th year - but my neighbor in the next room just celebrated her 74th birthday and is going strong.
Kelly #5 - Lana - You and I graduated the same year,. But I took an extra year because I was in secondary English until my 4th year - then switched to elementary!
Wendy - Are they elected positions Debbie?
Lana - Kelly, we'll have to celebrate our years of experience over Margueritas (with cookies) in Florida!
Cindy - Great ! I am happy, just got news my local university is holding a workshop for NBPTS!
Debbie Mc. - Not anymore. It's has gotten so bad that the same people represent us. Outside blood is not tolerated very well.
Wendy - Kelly I enrolled a bunch from my district on the list last week.
Cindy - I have also been busy studying the standards. Have some ideas for my portfolios.
Kelly #5 - Wendy - keep up the good work! We continue to have LOTS of new folks sign on!
Cindy - Any other Newbies here?
Wendy - Sounds like you need to get an election thing going Debbie
Wendy - Check the constitution and bylaws
Debbie Mc. - Wendy, can you smell the tar and feathers?
Susan (NC) - Cindy, I'm a newbie!
Kelly #5 - Debbie - your local constitution should call for elections every year - and should be very specific. Your state should have all of that on record.
Susan (NC) - Debbie, we have lots of turkey feathers in NC; I'll see if I can find some tar!
Cindy - Hi Susan! Are you as overwhelmed as I am? :)
Debbie Mc. - We have "building representatives" and they're never elected! We only vote on state and maybe regional delegates.
Wendy - grease yourself first so they don't stick
Susan (NC) - Cindy, I'm overwhelmed too but reading the EC/GEN list and this chat on Saturdays really help!
Cindy - Yes, If I didn't have the support of this ring... Don't know what I'd do! What grade do you teach?
pat - Hi Kelly and all. I just logged on so I'm reading along to see where you're at!
Wendy - I think it is definately association reform time.
Kelly #5 - Debbie - but your local President, etc. should be elected annually - or whatever your constitution calls for.....
Sharon 4 - Cindy, Have you started on entries 5 & 6?
Kelly #5 - Wendy - you and I should pay Debbie's local a little visit. I'm thinking of Sally Fields.....what was that union role she played! :)
Debbie Mc. - You're right of course Wendy and Kelly. The teachers even came out against our local at one point a couple of years ago.
Susan (NC) - I am so thankful that we have such a strong NEA at our school; I'd say about 95% Just 3 old stick in the muds.......hey, I'm old too but I joined!
Wendy - I think I have a t shirt for that Kelly
Debbie Mc. - One of my colleagues is serving as a building rep this year and there was some raising of the old eyebrows about that. Maybe that's a first step.
Debbie Mc. - And she's going through NBC this year. Wow! I haven't thought about this but she'll be black balled!
Wendy - Sharpen your elbows and getin there Debbie. Ask questions, plenty of questions.
Susan (NC) - Cindy, I teach K-5 Title 1 Reading.
Cindy - I have some thoughts, although I haven't started to write. School starts on Tuesday, so I am getting ready for my kindergartners! I have written many grants and have received quite a few, so I will probably talk about how much this has helped the children with hands-on things. Community, well, it is SO HARD in my area to get parents in, I am really going to try to get them more involved!
Debbie Mc. - NEA Today is about family involvement this month Cindy.
Wendy - Cindy tape your class routines and send the video home to families that can't attend open house
Sharon 4 - I have to go to and run an errand for my mother. Hope everyone enjoys Monday!
Wendy - Cindy you can end the video with things the parents can do with their kids or with the class.
Cindy - I started to video tape the kindergarten graduation last spring. Thought I would start there, and then add my class on! Thanks Debbie Mc., I hope to get the NEA Today soon!!
Debbie Mc. - Cindy, have you tried using a class mascot and sending him/her home with each child and let the parents write in the journal about what they all did together.
Cindy - Yes Debbie, as a matter of fact, I am doing that ! :)
Debbie Mc. - That's a good start. What about Family Reading or Math Night?
pat - Just checking to see if I'm still on. I think I keep getting bumped off! Well anyway ...it sure is a long wait till November. I had school this past week(without the kids). Spent the summer setting up my new first grade, made the reading phones, got the roof gutters for my book display, made the KoolAid playdough etc.. What do we do now until November?? my kids are coming on Tuesday so I guess that will keep me busy. Did I miss the directions for the reading bubble??? I printed out the picture but am not sure where to begin. it looks awesome.
Debbie Mc. - What about Moms and Muffins and Dads and Doughnuts?
Debbie Mc. - Pat, I didn't get the picture. I need to do that!
Cindy - I really want to have a Kindergarten Make-It and Take-It where the the parents can come in and make educational games for their children. Also want the literacy specialist there to talk about reading and writing, nurse to discuss lice and nutrition, and community person to list services the parents can use. What do you think?
pat - Kelly...Do you think you can put the directions in the files also?
Debbie Mc. - I think they're all great ideas.
Debbie Mc. - I think that's great. Could you give out prizes or something as a bribe to get them there?
Cindy - Thanks! You bet, lots of food and door prizes. I would also like to write a grant to get a hardback children's book for each family to take home!
Kelly #5 - Pat - I can try! I'm not sure if I can put the picture AND the directions....but I'll work on it.
Debbie Mc. - Our county just started a book a month for every child born until they start to school. Isn't that great!
Debbie Mc. - Doesn't Dolly Parton have a program for books?
Kelly #5 - Debbie - is that the Dolly Parton thing that Mary Lou from Maine was talking about?
Debbie Mc. - I think I remember somebody posting it. I may even have the info in my files. I'll check!
Cindy - That is wonderful! Our adopt a school people own a bookstore, so I know they could help!
pat - Yeah I've heard she does. it's a great idea.
Cindy - How do you contact Dolly Parton's Program?
Debbie Mc. - Yep! I've got it!
Debbie Mc. - E-mail me after the chat and I'll reply with an attachment of the information.
Debbie Mc. - Sorry, it's crow@muhlon.com
Cindy - Does anyone else get a funny look from colleagues when you say you are attempting NB?
Cindy - I have to vent, because I DO!
Debbie Mc. - I didn't tell anybody at my school except for my best friend. I still get funny looks!
Kelly #6 - Cindy - I just get blank stares.....and I've been working on this for 3 years!
pat - Yeah!! I am an NBCTIW and everyone still asks why I went through all that hard work!
Debbie Mc. - Cindy, our day will come. Patience is not one of my strong points though. I want things to happen right now.
Kelly #6 - I get that "why would you want to do THAT?" attitude from our staff......
Cindy - I have two people in my buiding, but they are MC-GEN, but they offer no help at all!
Debbie Mc. - Mediocrity!
Debbie Mc. - Cindy, you're kidding. They don't offer to read or anything?
pat - Kelly... you're a trooper. I guess it must get easier each time. I'll probably be doing the same in Nov.
Debbie Mc. - I don't know about that easier thing Pat. I would think it got harder!
Cindy - There are about 6 others in the system, all EC-GEN. It is as if some think I'll never do it, some are as you said, why do it? The one in my building act as if they are kinda snobbish about it. It really makes me upset, thank God I have all of you! :)
Cindy - No Debbie, they don't :(
pat - I guess I mean easier in that you become more familiar with the standards/ expectations for each portfolio etc. as well as by reading the great advice on the ring.
Cindy - I am proud of my attempt!
Kelly #6 - Pat - I'm not a good example. Most bankers really poor their hearts into the retakes. I keep taking on more responsibility away from my own portfolio entries - so I don't really put the time into them that I should! But I'm happy, because I keep learning so much - and that's the only reason I got into this in the first place. There's no financial reward here.
Debbie Mc. - Well maybe they don't want anybody else to attain what they have! That's a nice wish for the profession isn't it. I do think teachers (some) have an attitude like that sometimes.
Debbie Mc. - I'm sorry Pat. After that posted, I thought that was a terrible thing to say to her.
Cindy - Isn't it a shame! I mean, I admire their acheivement, it should be the same, you know?
pat - No problem. I'm sure it becomes a greater emotional drain too.
Debbie Mc. - I can't speak for bankers, but you're never the same after the NBC process. Or that's been my experience.
Debbie Mc. - I told my candidates this week that they would never be satisfied with mediocrity after this experience.
Cindy - I will be happy if I am certified or a banker. I can tell the difference in my teaching and planning already!
pat - Debbie...I agree. i too have learned so much through this process.
Kelly #6 - Debbie - I agree with you.........whether you are an NBCT or a banker!
Lyn - hi...i'm not an EC gen but i thought i could log on for support anyway
Lyn - so...you've all completed the first round already?
Lyn - cindy..yes...in YA/Adolescent science
Cindy - No, I'm a Newbie and proud of it! :)
pat - Lyn.. I did ECGEN. Waiting until November
Cindy - Go Lyn !
Lyn - cindy--so we're going through this together
Lyn - i have my box...am going to try to get started this weekend
Debbie Mc. - Lyn, if there's a general question about your portfolio, maybe I can help you.
Cindy - Yes! Are we crazy or what?:) I have my box too! Studying the standards, and planning portfolios!
Lyn - i'm just finding it hard to get started...i know everybody says just follow the directions....
Debbie Mc. - Lyn, have you been studying your standards?
Lyn - for those of you that have completed the process...in your writing, did you refer to the standards a lot?
Cindy - I am reading and re-reading and re-reading those directions!
kathy - Hi! i am looking for ideas for my assistant to do with eight children at her table while i assess children. they are severely emotionally disturbed, 2nd grade. were together in my room last year for 1st. not a good idea to ask about summer. they can be rough on them. any ideas?
Debbie Mc. - You really don't have to refer to them. Your writing should reflect that you use them, but you don't specifically have to refer to them.
Lyn - my goal is to have 3 or 4 complete by christmas
Lyn - one of my good friends is certified in my area...says she will help, but everytime i ask questions..i get a cold feeling...i know that sounds odd
Lyn - i am collecting for 5 and 6
Debbie Mc. - Lyn, have you gone through your box and listed the requirements for each portfolio entry? That's a good place to start so you'll know exactly what's required. Even if you're friend is certified in your area. That will help you be more comfortable when she's talking to you about it. Get familiar with that portfolio.
Lyn - debbie-yes...have studied box for a month
Lyn - cold feeling meaning she's being cold w/ me
pat - Lyn- although noone in my building is certified 9only 1 in our city so far).. i think others are somewhat jealous and even friends may be reluctant to help you along. It's all very strange sometimes!
Debbie Mc. - Uh oh! Is there some jealousy that she won't be the only one anymore?
Cindy - I agree Pat.
Debbie Mc. - Lyn, have you subscirbed to the support group at egroups.com?
Lyn - see...i don't know...another in our dept tried same yr as my friend....the other person has given up...after 2 yrs....friend made it 1st time
Lyn - pat...that's the feeling i get.....
Cindy - You know what Debbie, I think you're right. Maybe thats how the two are feeling at my school. Why are teachers so competitive at times? I am more than happy to help anyone, even if I don't know what I am doing!:)
Lyn - ebbie-no have signed up for group here at t-net
Debbie Mc. - Maybe she doesn't want to share that pedestal? Maybe she's not really a friend. My best friend is doing NBC this year. I've told her that I won't disclose prompts, but I'll help her anyway that I can, other than write.
Lyn - plus, i have only been teaching 3 1/2 yrs...friends told last spring to wait until at least 5 yrs????
Debbie Mc. - I even typed my candidate's portfolio last year. She couldn't type and I can.
Debbie Mc. - But that was exceptional needs area.
pat - Wow Debbie. that's really sweet of you.
Lyn - last year someone in another dept tried and it just seems like my friend went overboard to help her and i have to pull teeth to ask quesitons
Debbie Mc. - Lyn, we EC Gens have found that professional resources are great help when we're doing this. My exceptional needs candidate did too.
Lyn - pro resources such as?
Debbie Mc. - You don't need that stress too. Get somebody else to help. Does your state provide mentors?
pat - When the somewhat snippy ones ask if I got my scores yet I tell them they should really consider the process because I have learned so much. No takers yet...but it keeps them from haunting me about the scores!!
Lyn - about my friend...i hope it's just me...maybe i'm over reacting???
Lyn - debbie-no we have monthly support meetings
Debbie Mc. - Books written about the areas you must certify in. Make sure that they are on the same course with the standards.
Lyn - pat---are you attempting this yr or waiting for results?
Debbie Mc. - Is there another NBCT in the area that is certified?
Lyn - debbie--are you waiting for results?
Debbie Mc. - Sorry--in your area. Of course if they're NBCT they're certified.
Lyn - debbie-not to my knowledge
pat - Lyn-waiting for results. Definitely join an E-group for your area.
Debbie Mc. - I'm an NBCT.
Lyn - congrats debbie..what was the hardest part for you?
Debbie Mc. - Pat's right. There will be certified teachers who will help. Are there any in your teachers.net group?
Lyn - debbie--not that i know of
Debbie Mc. - Being so isolated. I had no help either. I found Kelly's list after mailing my portfolio.
Lyn - i am really worried about the assessment center
Debbie Mc. - AC scores were higher too. Join an egroup. I'll bet there are NBCTs there.
Lyn - AC scores were higher??? than what?
Debbie Mc. - Don't worry about the AC now. Focus on the Portfolio. You can worry about AC after you've mailed that portfolio.
Debbie Mc. - Than my portfolio scores. Help is definitely a plus!
Lyn - There are 4 NBCT;s at my school...one science, one art, and 2 english
Debbie Mc. - Someone at your school might help you even if they're another area. But you need advice from someone in your area. I helped my Ex. Needs candidate, but also had her join an egroup.
Lyn - and the address is egroups.com?
Debbie Mc. - Don't you agree Pat?
Debbie Mc. - Yes. You might even post a question on the NBPTS website. You'll probably get a reply from there for the egroups address.
Lyn - well...i must be going!
Lyn - thanks for the help
Debbie Mc. - So long!
pat - Definitely just focus on your portfolios for now. As far as I'm concerned you really can't prepare much for the format at the AC...if yours is the same as ECGEN. Not to discourage you ... but the scrolling from scenarios /prompts to the questions uses up so much of your time. But everyon is in the same boat. It would be so much easier if they gave us a hard copy. Forget about it for now!
Debbie Mc. - Good luck!
Debbie Mc. - Well Pat, I guess I'm off too. Have a good week!
pat - Bye... i've got to get dinner ready. Enjoy the week-end, too.
