Donna - Hello all
Donna - hi keri
Keri - Hi Donna, have you passed your boards?
Donna - I'm working on it now!
Donna - How about you?
Keri - I'm also working on it now, Exceptional Needs
Donna - EA Math
Donna - I have a colleague who is working on the same one as you.....I'm sure she'd love to chat with you.
Keri - What grade level do you teach and where?
Donna - I teach middle school math, gifted, in Florida
Donna - Fort Pierce
Donna - and you?
Keri - I teach 2nd/3rd grade resource in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach
Donna - oh a nice area
Keri - I kind of got roped into the boards with about 7 other people from my school
Donna - HI Juliette
Donna - Well, I kind of got roped in too!
Keri - Unfortunately, I'm the only special ed one, they are all early childhood.
Donna - I have been working on Entry four mostly, but now I'm focusing on the video lessons, I want to have them done by the end of the month, the taping that is!
Keri - Hi Juliette
Juliette - Hi Donna and Keri
Donna - Juliette, I'm in FL, EA math, working on cert. this year......how about you?
Keri - I'm also working on entry 4 and have no clue what I'll be doing after that.
Donna - I hear you, it's overwhelming
Keri - Plus, I'm taking a night class until May.
Donna - I've been reading the standards, and accessing the standards for my area and highlighting things
Donna - I'm reading as many articles from the NCTM magazines as possible, to get the wording down, "connections" is a huge thing!!!!
Donna - Marcia, I'm in FL...EA MATH...working on it this year...you?
Marcia - I am a library media specialist, working just finishing entry one (Collaboration), and starting my literature entry.
Donna - Marcia, have you done the Accomplishments entry yet?
Keri - Will any of you receive any monetary awards from your schools or states?
Juliette - I am on vacation in Florida and I teach kindergarten in LA
Donna - yes
Marcia - I am in Ohio , my area is K-12.
Donna - where in FLORIDA? I"m an hour north of West Palm Beach, in Fort Pierce
Juliette - Hi! Marcia
Donna - I will get about $3700 if I don't mentor, or double that if I mentor
Donna - per year for ten years
Marcia - Hello, Juliette, how nice to be vacationing in Florida, we have snow here, good day to get some writing done!
Keri - We will get 7500 in a lump sum for ten years or in monthly installments
Donna - that sounds good too
Juliette - I'm in Fort Lauderdale.
Marcia - Ohio offers 2500.00 per year for 10 years, our district a one time 3,500.00
Donna - ah, you are about two hours from me then
Marcia - Is anyone using a university mentoring program, I am and have gained some good insights.
Donna - And, I only pay $230 of the fee
Donna - HI Juliete with one T
Donna - Juliete, are you earning your NB this year?
Juliette - I'm a"banker" and I'm redoing Entry 3 for ENl
Donna - How was the assessment center?
Keri - Juliette, what did you think about the process?
Donna - any advice for us first timers?
Marcia - When are your boxes due? Mine is due on March 15, my assessment on Feb. 20.
Juliette - I'm on the year round schedule and will be visiting here with family until Feb. Hope to get some work done while I'm here.
Donna - My box is due April 15 (Tax day!) and my assessment is due by some time in June
Donna - HI Randi
Keri - Mine is also due April 15th
Randi - Hi there--happy new year!
Marcia - Donna, that sounds great - taxes and box! The June assessment sounds good.
Juliette - My box is also due on the 15th of April.
Donna - Thanks, Randi, and to you......
Donna - I"m thrilled about the timing, so far anyway
Randi - I'm just starting to think about the AC--how bad is it?
Keri - Are we all crazy for going through this or what?
Donna - YES!!!!!!!
Donna - But once we are on the other side, we'll be so glad we did it!
Marcia - Has anyone used the scoring guides on the NBC website as you work on your entries? I have my printed out, but need to take a close look, I was glad to find the detail!
Randi - And we WILL be on the other side, right?
Juliette - It's pretty bad and very hard to study for.
Donna - YES< absolutely ! I have been using the scoring guides, underlining the difference betwen a 4 and a 3
Donna - Hi scrapin!
Randi - I've been reading my CEC journals religously--any other advice, Juliette?
Marcia - Great, Donna - thanks for input.
Keri - Is it mostly items relating to things we spent time learning in college?
Donna - I've been reading my journals, too, also the yahoo groups are awesome
Donna - There are examples on the NB site ....two sample questions for each area
Donna - It is in the scoring guides, I think
Juliette - Know your standards and incorporate then in your writing.
scrapin - hi all the assessment is as bad as you may think and then some
Donna - and do you all know about wizzlewolf.com?
Donna - YIKES, scrapin, what is your area?
Marcia - Has anyone tried the practice excercises on the NBC site - that is something I plan to do. Also, my NBC partner and I will write scenarios on the 6 excercise topics for each other, and then discuss.
Randi - I looked at them briefly, but need to spend more time with them---I'm so busy worrying about portfolios...ever feel like you don't know what to do first?
scrapin - i am scheduled for may 3rd
Juliette - No. What is it?
Donna - I have tried them, and they were quite helpful
Donna - wizzlewolf.com is a great site for links to awesome helps for NBC
Juliette - Thanks!
Marcia - Randi, I have found this writing style so different than any I've done - no room for a lot of wordiness, it has to be so concise and to the point.
Donna - YEs, Randi, I feel like that too....
scrapin - i teach students who are trying to obtain a high school diploma at the secondary level
Donna - I concentrated on Entry four first, but I haven't done the reflection part yet
Randi - I know--I deleted about 10 pages from my 1st Entry...I think it's in good shape now
Donna - I wrote mine first, then had my mom, an ENglish teacher, show me where I could cut corners on wordiness
Randi - Donna, I'm at the same point of Entry 4 and finding the reflection hard
Juliette - I was told to write like a lawyer.
scrapin - i have been trying to collect my thoughts about entry three
Marcia - Donna, Entry 1 took me several months, I think because it requires so much reflection on one's many areas of expertise.
Donna - I am definitely using the actual wording from the standards within my description....not quoting, but incorporating the phrases
Randi - I did Entry 1 first--it took me months, also
Marcia - Juliette, any tips on writing like a lawyer?
Donna - What is entry one for you?
Donna - mine is a series of two math lessons, with student samples, etc...
Marcia - Donna, I've done that, as well. Tried to parallell the standards
Juliette - Short to the point and be able to show evidence of anything you say.
Randi - Mine is based on a reading unit. I used a combination of formal and informal instruments
Keri - my entry 1 is with an individual student using a learning or behavior area
Donna - great idea...formal and informal assessment is ALL OVER those standards!GOOD JOB!!!!!!
Marcia - Donna, I meant Entry 4 !
Donna - Oh ok, Marcia
Juliette - My Entry one was on assessement and I did a Math unit.
Marcia - It did take me several months, then I waited to write the Reflection for awhile. It is done now.
Randi - I hope so!
scrapin - last week i was going to use writing samples and show all the adjustments that i had to make as a result of assessment. this week could be a stratrgy to increase reading comprehension????? how is that for indecisive????
Donna - By the way, if you don't know about wizzlewolf.com, you might want to check it out, it has GREAT helpful stuff! There are links to discussion boards, chat groups in yahoo, nb sites, etc....
Donna - Hello Joyce
Randi - Scrapin--do you know what kid you're focusing on?
Donna - Scrapin, that sounds like me, I can't decide whether to use my prealgebra or algebra kids, I've had my algebra kids for three years, so i know them sooooo much better, and that's what they want to know, do we know the students!
Marcia - i have a question about "evidence". When I describe something, would evidence be an written example of a student's response, learning, or a comment by a teacher, or a reflection that I have as the teacher? Any ideas?
Donna - I have to focus on TWO students for my first entry
Randi - Yikes....that sounds scary! One almost put me over the edge
Donna - I'm lost, Marcia.....but that's where those yahoo groups are great...people reply with answers, people who have earned the cert, bankers, or first timers!
joyce - Hi
joyce - Hello
Randi - Hey, joyce--where are you in all this?
scrapin - donna,part of my problem is what i choose may not be the best selection for this process. not trying to knock the process but lets face it some of what we do is more condusive for this than others
Donna - you are so right
joyce - This is my first time chatting on this computer
Donna - have you read the scoring guide to see what they are looking for?
Juliette - Evidence for Entry 4 would be the impact and the significance of what you've done.
Donna - well, Joyce, you are off to a great start
Donna - I have the scoring guide, the standards, and the general directions open when I begin writing
scrapin - i have read the guide over and over as i am now a banker
joyce - I'm banking. Redoing entries 1,2 & 3
Marcia - Hello Joyce! Welcome, what are you working on now?
Marcia - Great!
Donna - JOYCE......How was the assessment center?
Randi - Is anyone getting anywhere with entry 3 yet?
joyce - I'm banking. Redoing entries 1,2 & 3
Donna - what is your entry three?
Marcia - Thanks, Juliette - so telling about how what we do impacts student learning.
Donna - My entry three is a small group lesson video
scrapin - hang in there joyce. i wish i had something profound that would help you
joyce - The scoring guide has been very useful
Randi - What level do you teach Donna? I'm thinking of doing the same thing with three 8th grade boys
Juliette - You just can't state that your students' test scores have gone up. You must tell how you have helped and what you did to help them go up.
joyce - social skills
scrapin - i am doing joining a group in an appropriate activity at the appropriate time gotta love those deviant little high school behaviors
joyce - Not too bad
Marcia - Working with two students, I made sure my students were very different type students, which allows me to use different strategies.
Donna - RIght......like what I said when I had my students mentoring elem. students was discuss how their confidence went up, which meant they were raising their hand to participate in class more, etc....
Donna - I teach middle school math (7th and 8th gr.), gifted, in Florida
Donna - Hello, Gail
gail - hi everybody
Randi - I'm thinking of focusing on a newly mainstreamed EH kid--in a small group with two friends--discussing strategies for successful mainstreaming
scrapin - i attended the SIM trainers training in orlando last spring
Juliette - Hi!Gail
Randi - Where in FL Donna? Just moved to Georgia from Palm Beach County
Marcia - Donna, I am working with my gifted intervention specialist on my collaborative entry ( #1, for me). This has been our first time to collaborate, I am learning a ton!
Donna - mainstreaming!!!! great topic, lots of room for discussion and research quotes!
Donna - wow, randi!!!! I'm in St. Lucie county, but I grew up in Lake Worth.....my brother lives in Dallas, outside Atlanta
Donna - that sounds great, marcia
gail - has anybody finished entry 3
Randi - Wow--I lived in a development right on Lake Worth Road
Donna - not me
Donna - NO WAY!!!!!!!!
Randi - I wish I finished entry 3, gail...
Randi - Yep--just west of the Turnpike!
Marcia - Randi, that sounds great - I am using one child on an IEP, one with behavioral issues and rarely motivated.
Donna - we lived west of the turnpike, off the former Jubilee Rd, now called something else
Donna - we were on artist place
gail - has anybody used the Skillstreaming book i hear so much about
Donna - no, gail, what area is that for?
gail - social skills
Donna - I went to Santaluces HS
Marcia - Gail, no tell us more, please
Randi - How funny! My son was even in some performances at the Lake Worth Playhouse. But now back to business...
scrapin - yes bought it read it used post it notes highlighted rearead get the picture
Donna - yes, back to NB
Donna - what area is that skillstreaming book for?
gail - I only know what i have read on the listserve - apparently it gives suggestions for social skills
Randi - Everyone is talking about those skillstreaming books lately...
scrapin - i would recommend the book. i bought mine through amazon
Donna - oh, ok...for ESE then?
Marcia - oh, that sounds like a good title.
Donna - this is the first i've heard of them, where have i been?
Donna - hello chris
Randi - Apparently they have them for all levels. I almost ordered the middle school one, but my credit card is already trembling from holiday abuse
scrapin - social skills are grouped together acoording to skills needed
gail - scrapin, what is the book format - lessons, ideas,???
Donna - chris, what area are you working on?
Donna - can we do a quick run down of certif. areas? I'm EA MATH, working on it this year
scrapin - the book is pretty is easy to read.
Marcia - Does anyone else have a "technology" type entry?
gail - exceptional children
shari - I am beginning on Exceptional Needs Certif.
Donna - "technology" area on AC, not a separate entry for me
Randi - When are your portfolios due Shari?
gail - what level, shari
Donna - there ya go, Juliette!
Marcia - I am a library media specialist - K-12 , working on my literature appreciation entry right now, and thinking about my technology entry - where I teach a new technology.
PreciousJuliete - we use the skillstreaming book in our EH class, my assistant and I act out skills at first and then the kids get in groups and act out situations and different ways to handle them - they love it
Tina - I have elementary skillstreaming, and it is actually a program that you follow. The student has a book, completes lessons, role-playing, etc... Even homework.
shari - In April. Can I make that deadline just beginning now?
scrapin - i bought the one for adolescents. i also bought a student manual just to see if it was something that i could use w/ my students
Juliette - I'm ENL
Tina - Exceptional Needs here
Randi - Well, that sounds like a video in the making Juliette!
gail - is this book appropriate for ADHD kids
Randi - Shari, I know three people who certified starting in late December
Marcia - PreciousJuliete - your EH identifier is ....?
scrapin - I feel like i am SOL( slam out of Luck)
Tina - Yes, I would say so, Gail. What level are you looking at using it with?
Donna - lol, scrapin
gail - elementary
PreciousJuliete - emotionally handicapped
Juliette - Yes, I have a video to redo
shari - Randi, thanks! now that I've finished reading all the standards and most of the instructions, i realize I need to be cracking. I have been collecting things and pondering up until this point. Are you Exc. Needs as well?
Tina - You pick and choose the skills you want and need to focus on. So, it would definitely be appropriate.
scrapin - i would say the book is applicable to all levels. i am going to use my own scenarios for the skill i want to address but each skill includes this as well
Marcia - thanks, I spoke to emotional intelligences in my entry 4, something I've been learning about in the past year - there is so much to be learned that really benefits all children. Thanks
Randi - Yes..my portfolios are due in March. I'm wrapping up Entry 1, nearing the end of Entry 4 and haven't started 2 and 3 yet
Donna - Hi, Patty......what's your cert. area?
Marcia - Shari, this is a project that requires lots of "think time", isn't it? Good luck to you!
scrapin - juliette i found that my students did better in front of the video camera than i did.
Tina - What's the verdict on using affiliations with professional associations in our documented accomplishments? My mentor told me to do so, but I'm hearing different things.
Tina - I made sure I linked them to student learning.
Donna - I mentioned them like.....As a member of NCTM, i am aware of the importance of....
Marcia - Randi, my porfolio is due in March as well. I have just completed 4, and 1 and have plans for 2 & 3, feeling some rush to get my two video seqments made and the writing on those - time just flies!
Randi - Donna, that's a good idea...just mention it in passing
Donna - They certainly do not stand alone, in my humble opinion......but they can be incorporated into the others
gail - are you guys having someone read your entries once they are complete
Randi - Marcia--have you attempted videotaping at all yet? I'm starting to have anxiety attacks because I have no videos
Tina - Ok...that's what I tried to do. Thanks!
Donna - thanks, in my efforts to be concise, i came up with that one!
ann - Hi all. Tina how did you link profess. assoc. to stud. learning?
Tina - It sounds like we're all in about the same place. I'm done with 1 and 4, but have yet to do my videos for 2 and 3.
Juliette - Use your affiliations if you can show that your participation has been significant to your growth professionally or that others have gained from your participation.
Donna - I have a hard time getting the faces of my students AND me on the tape with it on a tripod, I may have to have my husband come in and video tape
gail - randi, i've started and redone 6 times - just cant get one i lik
scrapin - yes, although i am not sure how much that actually helps. its more for the emotional well being
Randi - I have an NBCT at my school video taping for me, but so far they all stink.
Marcia - Not yet, I have just not felt ready! I think having it all planned out is important, really knowing what you are going to do - I think the videoing will be ok, if I have the group prepped, with prior knowledge and some fun/engaging interaction planned for them, it should be ok.
gail - how have you dealt with sound quality -i'm having trouble picking up soft voices
shari - Questionabout entry 1: What length of time did your instruction after assessment span? and does that matter?
Tina - I talked about how much I rely on the journals and conferences to give me ideas and strategies that work with students. I used specific examples from articles I read and them implemented, then I used actual student work in the artifact to show how the student learned. Most of my stuff came from Council for Exceptional Children.
Marcia - Tina, what is your area? The video responses should be fun to do - watch over and over, making observations.
Randi - I have come up with so many good ideas, then when the videos don't come out the right way I'm always coming up with new ones
Donna - Gail, remember it says that ALL of what the teacher says and MOST of what the students say
Donna - that sounds like a great way to do it, tina
Randi - Shari--mine was about 2 weeks. A reading unit focusing on specific deficits but based on something the kid expressed an interest in on an interest inventory
Marcia - Oh me, now perhaps I should worry, Randi! ha! I need to get some practice videoing in
gail - but what if that is the student you are focusing on
Tina - Gail--some people invest in one of those big microphones--some schools have them. They describe them in the portfolio
ann - Thanks Tina. Good ideas...
Juliette - My math unit was four weeks
Donna - ah, gail, different situation then
Marcia - On video recording, one teacher in my district had the person recording move the mike from one student table to another. Get the best recording system you can
Randi - I bought one from Radio Shack for $50. A tax deduction I do believe--and it's not that big...
Donna - maybe you could include a portion of the dialogue in writing? i think a microphone is better, though...maybe your media center has one
scrapin - well you all it was nice chatting.
Donna - bye scrapin
Tina - I teach elementary interrelated resource--LD, BD, MI, OHI and AUT
Randi - The one I bought picks up EVERYTHING
Marcia - My unit is 7 weeks, and way too long for me now! But it has given my students time to get the process of research down for their integrated immigration unit (4th gr)
gail - are you practicing the lesson before you video it
Marcia - Randi, what kind?
Donna - practicing with the students???????
Tina - bye, scrapin!
Donna - I know a teacher who had her lesson all scripted out
scrapin - good luck. i am getting new students next week. i hope i have some great revelations between now and apr.
Randi - I didn't at first, but I am going to totally prep them now...
Donna - the kids all knew their lines and everything....I don't do it that way, though
Tina - I don't practice--but then I haven't had any videos turn out. Mostly, it's my camera man!
Donna - I only trust my husband with the camera, he's as picky as I am!
gail - we practiced the skills and ran throught a lesson with the camera rolling just for practice
Donna - Hello, ispy
Randi - Marcia--it's at school and I don't remember the name of it. I got it at Radio Shack. I asked for the recommended PZM, and they said this one replaced the PZM mike
Marcia - no practice with students, practicing having the video on, and doing the pre-NBC lessons with them beforehand with video. (Clarity)
ispy - hello all
Tina - Hi, ispy!
ispy - what is the topic tonite?
gail - hi ispy
Randi - Hi ipsy
Donna - I brought the camera in the week before winter break, to see where to set it up, etc......
Marcia - thanks, Randi
PreciousJuliete - I have used a tri pod for small group video taping and have had good luck
Marcia - thanks, Randi
shari - Hi , ispy.
Randi - a little of everything it seems
Donna - the topic is national board certification and stress!!!
ispy - ok
Donna - seems to be on video taping currently
ispy - sign me up
Juliette - From my experience, they don't want to see a perfect video. I scored high on the video that I thought the students had been the worst on. They want to see how you handle problems.
Randi - Marcia--just found the receipt (in my tax file!!) It's called a boundary mike
Donna - RIght, Juliette, in the scoring guides, i think, it says that the video lessons are about YOU and what YOu do
ispy - so we should let it all break out like wild......? and then go and fix it?
Marcia - Super, thanks for checking Randi.
Tina - Juliette--what about the quality of the video, though? Does that make a difference? I get dizzy watching mine!
Donna - not following, ispy
Tina - I'd hate to have a scorer get sea sick from my video.
Marcia - Did anyone use a roving camera-person? To get closer to kids? Or just use a tripod on wheels and wheel it here and there to capture various discussions?
ispy - juliette said her kids had been the worst on her video......but she scored well.....problem solving
Donna - I am going to use a rover!
Donna - oh ok, ispy, thanks for clarifying...i'm sleepy, i guess
Randi - I woman at my school scored a 4.0 on one of her videos and the camera never moved--zoomed in a little here and there but that's it
Donna - :S
Tina - I think I'll give up my camera man and just use a tripod on a small group.
Donna - I need it to move in my room in order to show my facial expressions as well as the kids, plus I can't stand still, I MOVE around a lot, and have the kids doing so as well
ispy - beauty is in the eye of the beholder huh?
Juliette - In LA you can become a member of the Support Network and we had the opportunty to view videos of past candidates, and the quality was not as impoortant as how it was written up.
Marcia - Yes, our mentor stated that a "good" video, will show kids doing what kids might do - and our responses, and on the feet response.
Donna - wow, Juliette, what a helpful thing! I'm jealous
ispy - so just be yourself is the key
Marcia - Yes, being ourselves and responding, after the fact.
Randi - Well, I will feel so much better once I have at least ONE good video...
Donna - me too randi, maybe this time next week, I'll have one
shari - What ar eyou guys most unhappy with in your videos thus far?
Marcia - Randi, are you doing a whole class video, or groups?
Randi - Maybe this time next week we BOTH will!!!
Tina - The interruptions during class!
Randi - I'm doing small groups--the communication will be about 6 kids in a reading group, the social skills three 8th grade boys
Tina - Intercom, door opening....
Marcia - Is anyone taping several lessons, and choosing your best?
Randi - Yes--if I can ever get a best!
Donna - I would love to stay in contact with anyone who wants to share email addresses
Tina - Marcia, that's what I've been trying to do!
ispy - yes marcia.....
Randi - Tina-one of mine was going great, and...FIRE DRILL! I was in tears. AND it was a false alarm--some kid pulled it!
Marcia - So, you've planned several lessons within your unit, instead of one big lesson?
Marcia - So, you've planned several lessons within your unit, instead of one big lesson?
Donna - but they know about interruptions...that was mentioned on one of the FAQs on the NB site, and they said it's ok
Tina - Murphy's Law, Randi!
Donna - OH, Randi, that's awful, but a part of most of our school lives
shari - Though i'm just starting I taped before Christmas to experiment and have a few nice ones as far as no interruptions, etc. However, I'm still unsure about them, thinking they should be "better".
Marcia - I sense this is "real teaching" we are hoping to capture.
Randi - I'm just taping every lesson in my upcoming reading unit I think, Marcia. My email address is PRSagona@bellsouth.net, Donna
Donna - thanks, and mine is owensmath@yahoo.com
Donna - also on hotmail if anyone wants to IM
shari - Donna, mine is srkaple@aol.com. Would like to hear from you...
Donna - owensmath@hotmail.com
Tina - That's what I think it is important to get--"real teaching". I don't want to do anything differently just for the video. I feel that if it's working, and if my kids are learning, then why change to try to "awe" the scorers? I guess I'm thinking straight. Kind of like being evaluated by the principal.
Donna - i'm DonnaGOwens@aol.com
Tina - dwill2424@aol.com
Donna - I have so many addresses!
Donna - yes, tina, i agree
stenz - It's not so much how the tape session goes - it's how you interpret what is going on before, during and after the taping.
Donna - tina and shari, I added you to my aol buddy list, i hope that's ok
Tina - Stenz--are you an NBCT?
Tina - That's fine, Donna!
Donna - what cert. area, stenz?
stenz - I am a banker- I need only 2 points to pass.
Donna - oh stenz!!!! wow!
Tina - Yea! You have some experience!!
stenz - I did well on my portfolio
Randi - Wow--what are you redoing? How frustrating to come SO close!
Donna - what are you redoing?
Tina - I'm a newbie, kind of at a loss on some things.
Donna - please say EA Math????? lol
stenz - Yes it is very frustrating - I wrote to the nbpts about having more time for the assessment center - like maybe 45 minutes. I did not complete one of the ac questions- not enough time
shari - Yes, if I can figure out how, I'm doing the same. le t me find that buddy list...
Donna - stenz, if you don't mind, what cert. area/
Randi - I am VERY scared of the AC
ispy - not one?
stenz - I am redoing the ac question I did not complete
stenz - I am mild/moderate
Randi - Stenz, how do you recommend preparing for the AC? I've heard it's really difficult to study for...
stenz - Transition planning is the question
Randi - I think there was just an article about transitions in one of the CEC journals...
Tina - That's my weak area. I've checked out some books and websites--hopefully I can get up to par on it.
stenz - To study for the ac- collected articles, textbooks, teaching standards from our state. good teaching practice books-
Donna - stenz, ESE area?
stenz - Yes, Donna
Donna - I'm slow, sorry!
stenz - I outlined and read over and rewrote what I thought would be important - my dining room table was filled with 6 topic areas
Randi - UGH! I haven't even started that yet!
stenz - I must admit that if you can talk with someone who teaches in those topic areas - do so-
Tina - Randi, I'm not even thinking about the AC until after I send my portfolio off in April
Stephaniein MS - i am taking ac on jan 18th
stenz - Tina- that's exactly what I did
Randi - That makes me feel better, Tina...did you schedule it yet?
Tina - I don't have enough brain cells to do both at the same time!
Donna - Oh my.....it's hard to find your way back in
Tina - Nope....Georgia hasn't paid the other $1000 yet.
Stephaniein MS - want to be DONE with this stuff by spring break - then on to IEP season
Randi - Wow, Steph! Are you ready?
Stephaniein MS - i guess - there really isn't anything TO study
Randi - I just sent my money in a few weeks ago. Got the paper back, but haven't scheduled it yet.
stenz - What area are you Stephaniein MS
Stephaniein MS - early childhood
Randi - Tina--I have to drive to Atlanta to take it! Thought there would be something closer...
Tina - Good luck, Steph!
Stephaniein MS - uggh thanx!
stenz - Look at you booklet for the areas to study- that's what's on the test-
Tina - I'm going to take it in Marietta. I'm trying for a mid-June date after I get the paper back.
Stephaniein MS - yeah - but the areas are sooo broad - it doesn't narrow it down at all
Randi - We should do it together. We could hold hands or something!!!
Donna - also, on the NB site, in the same area as the scoring guides, they have practice questions
Stephaniein MS - those were very helpful!
Tina - I saw some retired prompt questions at the end of the scoring guide. They seemed to be helpful!
shari - I finished my application and sent the money in in mid december. How long until I get the paper for sched. a testing date?
Stephaniein MS - lol - randi - i can just see you showing up together!
Donna - have you sent in your eligibility papers yet?
Randi - Should be any day now. You can call NBPTS and they'll tell you
Donna - actually, there is a way to find out online
stenz - That's why I collected reading articles and talked with the right people in the fields I wasn't real familiar with - surprisingly the are of health, PE and Leisure was my best and I thought it would be the hardest - I talked to PE teacher and got books from him
shari - Donna - yes, i just mailed the elig paper mid dec.
Donna - if you go to the candidate resourse center, and click on the NBRIC!!!!! IT's awesome
Stephaniein MS - those are my weakest areas too
Tina - That WOULD be funny, Randi! You're going to be at the February workshop, right?
Randi - Every time I try NBRIC it's not working!
shari - Thanks, that is helpful!
Stephaniein MS - i got a new intro to sped textbook - been reading that
Donna - NBRIC tells you what fees have been paid, what papers they sent to you on what dates, what dates they were received back, etc
Randi - Yes, and I better have my portfolios done by then. I'm due 3/15
Donna - Every time I tried it, it's worked great
stenz - That's good Steph
Stephaniein MS - me too randi
Randi - Must be my bad luck...or I'm doing something wrong
stenz - Doing what wrong, Randi
Donna - or maybe i try at good times?
Donna - NBRIC
Randi - Steph--I was reading the latest CEC journal on the plane back from mom's today. Very interesting article about itinierant preK services, if you're interested.
Tina - Randi--NBRIC should be working for you. I've been checking my status every day to see if Georgia has paid up yet--what error message is it giving you?
Stephaniein MS - i read that one! VERYYY good article
Randi - That it's not available, but I haven't tried in about 3 weeks
Randi - I taught Prek for years in FL, but not itinerant
Donna - have you refreshed the page when you get that message? sometimes it's your ISP
Stephaniein MS - i *think* it might be helpful for the path specific transisiton question...
jane - HI!!! RE: AC. I am mild/mod and totally scared! So much curriculum I don't know much about...
Randi - I'm going to try as soon as I'm done here tonight
shari - Bye! Must go, everyone. Thank you and hope to meet here again.
stenz - I need to pay my dues to CEC, do you think they would send me back issues of the journal for this year
Stephaniein MS - hey jane!
Randi - Yeah, me too. I'm married to a Science teacher. Think that'll help?
Stephaniein MS - bye shari
Randi - Shari! Good luck!
Stephaniein MS - dunno stenz
Randi - Does your school have them Stenz?
Stephaniein MS - randi - couldn't hurt
Tina - Jane--what state?
Donna - NBRIC saved my hiney. One of my eligibility forms was lost in the mail, and I found out in time to overnight it and fax it to be sure it got there by Dec. 31st, so I tracked it with UPS, and then watched NRIC
Donna - NBRIC rather
stenz - Remember- that you need to show modification and accommadation to the general curriculum
jane - My husband's a former Phsy Ed converted to Spec Ed!
stenz - Randi- I will check that out on Monday
Stephaniein MS - how thoroughly do you have to know the general curriculum - or do they give you the topic and you adapt it?
stenz - They give you the topic related to science, math, social studies
Randi - Mine is actually dually certified--science and sped. One awesome mainstreaming guy, you know??
Stephaniein MS - my dh is a radio discjockey - not much help! lol
stenz - That should be easy for you, Randi
Tina - Wow...what a dream, Randi! Mine is science only.....but I make sure he modifies!
Randi - Maybe not, but it sounds like fun!
jane - Stenz- I second Steph's question....how well we need to know the curriculum content....The nuns taught me the basics- reading, writing, math....and that's all I have taught so far!
Randi - I bet he's one awesome inclusion guy, too, Tina!
stenz - The topics were pretty easy- it's the exceptional student in the class and how you adapt
Randi - stenz--they give you a hypothetical kid, background and all?
jane - Thanks stenz- that's comforting...
Tina - So if we have a general awareness of what the general ed curriculum is about, we should be ok?
Stephaniein MS - ok - using the sample they provided about how plants grow...
stenz - Yes- they do it is a case study situation
Stephaniein MS - would you have to know that they grow due to light and chorophyll and all that kind of stuff
stenz - You got it Steph1
Randi - so it comes down to how well you can put it all together in the alloted time...
Donna - thank you all for your help, and I'll be back again for more......in the meantime, please feel free to email me....owensmath@yahoo.com
Stephaniein MS - and just MSU (make @#$% up)
stenz - It's how you would adapt for your exceptional needs student
Tina - Stenz--is there a timer so that you know how much longer you have?
Stephaniein MS - bye donna!
stenz - The time factor is horrible
Randi - g'night donna!
stenz - Yes, the clock timer can be visible or you can take it away.
Tina - Good--I thrive on timers. Must be the autistic side of me.
stenz - Each question has many parts to it. The main question and a.b.c.d.e.f.
Stephaniein MS - i wanna see mine
Tina - Oh, well....I guess I'll call it a night. Thanks for all the help!
Randi - Me too--this whole thing has me totally stressed. Steph, you've GOTTA let us know how it goes
Stephaniein MS - bye tina'
Stephaniein MS - bye tina'
Randi - See you Tina...happy videotaping
Stephaniein MS - i'll be around
Stephaniein MS - what do you guys teach?
stenz - My difficulty was the first 3 questions had 3 windows to address questions in and the 4th window had 4 windows and I only had 5 seconds left to answer the question- I assumed there were only 3 windows of questions.
Stephaniein MS - yikes!
jane - What do you mean by windows stenz?
Randi - Steph--I teach 8th grade inclusion--non categorical
jane - I teach mostly LD elem stud
Stephaniein MS - i am inclusion preschool
stenz - There are 3 windows to look at one the computer screen - one with the case study, one with the questions to address on the topic and the text box to write in
Randi - i switched from preK to 8th this year. Basically the same job!
Stephaniein MS - lol
jane - WOW! That sounds like it could be overstimulating...
Randi - stenz--do you write in each window?
DMB - Mr. C this is like getting a PHD
jane - Without the pay DMB!
Randi - the ADD side of me is getting very nervous indeed!
stenz - NO- you read the case study on the left box the right box has the question parts the bottom box if for text
Stephaniein MS - we get 6000 extra in mississippi
Randi - OK--so what wasa the 4th box?
jane - Good for you steph, you deseerve it! I get $1000....
Randi - 10% raise in GA
stenz - When you finish the question screen you press done- and another screen comes on to give you another part to the topic question
Stephaniein MS - plus they pay the 2300 - whether or not you certify
Randi - And you didn't know this ahead of time??
stenz - I failed to notice the number of screens per question - warning to you all- check out the screen and do the practice test before
jane - how about some genreal portfolio tips stenz....I am just beginning.
Randi - The voice of experience...you certainly would have certified had you seen it!
Stephaniein MS - how did you end up scoring?
stenz - Anxiety- came over me and I quess it was on the top of the big screen as to how many windows per question but I failed to notice
stenz - I was short 2 points to pass
Stephaniein MS - oh! yuck!
jane - So close stenz- almost there!
Randi - what a drag!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!
Stephaniein MS - that is truely my nightmare
Randi - well, the worst of your stress is over, right? One AC question and you should be home free
jane - what will you have to pay to retake?
stenz - Yeah- it was tough there were only 2 of us in our district to take this on and I was in Sped and she was in Gen Ed
Randi - Jane--what portfolio are you working on? Or are you starting all 4 at the same time?
DMB - Mr. C where are you?
Stephaniein MS - i need ideas for 1...assessment
stenz - It will cost $300 per retake - Yeah for a 30 min question
jane - I am beginning with Documented Accomp- is that 4?
Randi - Steph--do you use the yellow Brigance?
jane - $10 a minute!
stenz - I started with entry 4 - got a 3.0
Stephaniein MS - no - i had actually forgotten about it
Stephaniein MS - lol jane
Randi - yes, it is jane...my weakest one, I fear!
Randi - just thought in preK it would be a good place to start wtih assessment?
Stephaniein MS - 1-900- numbers are cheaper!
jane - I have been writing and rewriting...
judy3ca - oops
Stephaniein MS - i will dig one up and see where it takes me!
Randi - good luck! I miss the babies sometimes....at least they weren't all bigger than me!
Randi - Steph, there's the TEMA and TERA, too...
Stephaniein MS - my kids are d.d technically but they are all about moderate to severe levels
Stephaniein MS - what are they?
Randi - Test of Early Mathematical Ability and Test of Early REading Ability
Randi - Is our time up here? Usually there's a reading chat after us
Randi - but I'll try Steph! have fun, reading folks!
jane - good night all and good luck! Hope to talk to you again!
