Jenny in Los Angeles - I am one of the moderators for tonight. I was an exceptional needs candidate for this last year.
Ann - is this the room for the NBC meeting
Jenny in Los Angeles - Yes it is. Are you just beginning the process?
Ann - Can you tell me a little about it. I teach about 5 self-contained students in the very unique class
Ann - yes, I am just starting the process
Jenny in Los Angeles - What will be your category of application? Mine was mild/moderate. I am a Resource Specialist. What are your students' needs? And how can I help you?
Ann - Most of my sudents are Other Health Impaired but I must have an interrelated certification to teach this class. My category is youth to 21 - exceptional needs
Jenny in Los Angeles - Ann, have you received your box yet?
Ann - noi, we send the application to the state and the send it in for us.
Jenny in Los Angeles - What do you mean by an interrelated certification?
Ann - I have Mentally retarded certification, Learning Dis. and enough hours in BD that enables me to teach all in one class
Susan - Hi Jenny and Ann. I am a candidate for this year and am anxiously awaiting my box! My cert. area is mild/moderate (like you Jenny)
Jenny in Los Angeles - Ann, don't you have a certificate area within the exceptional needs overview?
Jenny in Los Angeles - Susan! Welcome to the process. You and ann both. How can I help you??
Ann - yes
Susan - I guess my biggest question for you, Jenny is Do you have any brilliant recommendations for how to organize and keep track on all the things/work samples we'll be collecting this year?
Jenny in Los Angeles - So Ann, are you also in the mild moderate area?
Ann - yes some of my student are mild
Jenny in Los Angeles - Susan, when you get your box, there will be some helpful ideas about how to organize and plan your time. Until then, let me make a few beginning sugestions...to follow
Jenny in Los Angeles - Everything has to do with how you impact student learning by all facets of what you do. Sometimes we don't realize how much we do...it seems just natural to us. But now you have to think more deeply about what it really means to students and parents.
Jenny in Los Angeles - So, start a phone log to document who you call and who calls you. This is intended to show the variety (!) and depth of contacts you make on student and parent behalf.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Also, look back over the last 5 years to begin to collect examples of what contributions you have made to the profession - within your school, your district, or in professional memberships. If yo have given workshops, or staff developments, get the documentation for that and start to think how much effect in had towards professional development of yourself, your teacher colleagues, or in other ways.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Give me a little feedback at this point. Is this the kind of info you re looking for?
Ann - yes
Susan - I am so excited to get started! It is all very overwhelming; but exciting, too. THe phone log sounds like a great way to create a paper trail of parent communication. Now is a great time to start finding the stuff on professional development too. Great ideas!I currently teach a "cross-categorical" class. I have grades k,1, and 2. Most of my students are either autistic or developmentally handicapped (DH, since this may vary state to state). I have one student who is "other health impaired".
Jenny in Los Angeles - Did I lose you there for a moment? Sometimes we have trouble with whiteouts.
Susan - I type pretty slowly and this is my 1st chatroom. Did you get my long entry?
Jenny in Los Angeles - Ann, if you only have 5 students, you may have to be creative about how you use them for the entries. Because you need a different focus student for each entry, and they do suggest you collect information for two students for each entry. So you nay need some ";uck" I hope none of your students move during the year!
Jenny in Los Angeles - Yes, Susan. I had already started typing the other tho. Sometimes the response lag gets 'interesting'.
Jenny in Los Angeles - It really is a very exciting process. Very stressful, but also very inspiring. It both bowls one over and sneaks up on one in terms of how much one gets out of it. Well, that probably didn't make sense...
Ann - Should I start video taping classes so that I will have several to choose from
Susan - I bought a big plastic hanging file box to begin collecting and organizing items/"evidence" for each standard. Does this sound OK? When did you start working last year? How long did it take you?
Ann - Should I begin to video tape lessons so that I will have several to choosed from
Jenny in Los Angeles - Ann, it is good to get experience with the videos. Starting taping now will get both you and yor class used to it and will help you work out the kinks of problems that develop. For example audio problems...But until you actually have the directions for the entry, yo probably won't have videos that you will actually use. Still it will be hlepful, yes!
Jenny in Los Angeles - The hanging file box sounds like a great idea.
Susan - What happens if the kids keep looking at the camera during taping?!
Jenny in Los Angeles - Last year, we didn't get our boxes till December and the portfolios were due June 5. It took me till 3:30 the night before to finish. And I have more days absent that year than in my entire career! It was very stressful.
Jenny in Los Angeles - The kids do the darndest things during the taping. That's why its good to do a lot of it. It is also a great reward for them to dsee some of the taping afterwards. Great behav. mod tech.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Some of the videos were sent in with kids doing things we wish they hadn't. But if the academic, or social, impact waqs still strong, people sent them in anyway. The Board knows kids are that way. They mostly are interested in how yo handle things, not if they go well or badly, actually.
Susan - DECEMBER??! I would have been a nervous wreck! I'm anxious about not having mine now so I can become familiar with it before school starts! Regarding the taping: Do you know if you can use a mini VHS tape or does it have to be full sized?
Jenny in Los Angeles - In fact, that is true of the entire process. Sometimes we thinkk we don't know what they want in an entryu. Or it doesn't seem to quite fit with our class. Don't fret. If you can justify and reflect on what you have done and why, that's whayt they want.
Susan - Am I correct that for the "mild/moderate" certificate, you need to video tape in the areas of literacy/communication and social skills development?
Jenny in Los Angeles - Lets see, mini VHS. I can't remember. Sporry. It will be in the info they send. Do you recall Barb, if mini VHS can be used. I know you would have to have it transferred to a regular tape in the end.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Yes, Susan, those are the two video areas.
two19barb - I used "mini" and had it transferred to VHS
Ann - I e-mail my parents all the time. Can I just save the e-mails
two19barb - I went for "severe" disabilities, if anyone needs help
Jenny in Los Angeles - Yes, I would save the emails. But Barb, wouldn't that really need to be transferred onto the phone / contact log?
Ann - I can and use the e-mils to back it up
two19barb - I am sorry, I thought you were talking about entry #2 and #3
Jenny in Los Angeles - Ann, they don't ask you to back it up. They just need the log. They trust you on that.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Barb, ys we were talking aobut 2 and 3. I was encouraging the ladies to start taping even tho they don't have the box. Gets everyone used to it.
Jenny in Los Angeles - I think both Ann and Susan have some severe category students, right?
two19barb - e-mail to parents....isn't that entrey#6?
Ann - My most severe is
Ann - matic Brain Injuy
two19barb - IQ below 30?
Ann - no
Jenny in Los Angeles - Yes, Barb - that's what's so tricky about this chat. Its hard to keep up sometimes with the changes and people's different questions. We were talking about both 5/6 and 2/3.
two19barb - level of functioning?
Susan - I appreciate all your help! I will definately be signing in on other Friday nights. Especially as I get further into the process!
two19barb - OK, I will just observe and jump in if needed
Jenny in Los Angeles - Susan, if you are still there. If yo get white out, just sign off and log on again.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Ann, are you still with us. How can we help you.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Hi Ret! Welcome! We have Barb in Michigan and Ann - a new candidate.
two19barb - Hang in there Jenny!
Ann - Ladies, thank you. You have given me good ideas even though I don't have my box
Ret in OH - Sorry I'm late...a horrible lightning storm right around 9 p.m. If I disappear...you know our electric went out again.
Jenny in Los Angeles - Lisa, from where. Weren't you a candidate with us?
Ret in OH - Jenny....did Gary from Chicago come in tonight?
Lisa - yes
Jenny in Los Angeles - Yes, ret. There were only two new candidates.
Lisa - I am LAJinNC
Jenny in Los Angeles - Nope, no Gary. Sure - Hi again Lisa!!
two19barb - Jenny, you keep track of the "states" participating, in case people need closes contact?
Ret in OH - We are all 99-00 candidates...yes?
Lisa - I believe so
Jenny in Los Angeles - Well, its just us buddies at the moment. Let's all say a prayer. According to Ret. today our entries were finished with scoring. Thats more depressing than anything - its really over....! I'm in whiteout so Ill be back...
Lisa - Today was the last day for scoring! WOW
two19barb - Hi Loretta. Thanks for all the previous info, once again
Ret in OH - Don't ya just wish you could see the scores on your entries??
Lisa - Hi Barb... are you a new candidate?
Lisa - I sure do! I have thought about it more today than others
two19barb - No, I did 1999-2000, with Rose as my AC
Jeny in Los Angeles - Hi Bourque and Karen. Can you tell us about yourselves. The rest of us were candidates this year...
Susan - To respond to Jenny and Barb's earlier question: I don't have any "severe" students. Just mild/moderate. Ho long til you guys get you results?
Ret in OH - November
Jeny in Los Angeles - Susan, we have to wait till November!
Lisa - I HOPE it is Novermber.... don't want to wait longer :)
Susan - Ugh. That's a long wait!
Ret in OH - Bourque..are you a new candidate this year?
Lisa - do you have your box
Jeny in Los Angeles - Susan is a new candidate, what about Karen and Bourque. Where are you from and what category of pspecial needs are you doing?
Susan - Any other suggestions for "things to do" prior to receiving the box? There's a lod-up on the money from our state department!
Lisa - get a copy of standards and READ
Lisa - become very familar with them
Bourque - I have just sent in my application.
two19barb - TO ALL NEW CANDIDATES: Jenny and Loretta will take good care of you. If you need any further info on severe disabilities, they know where to contact me. Have a great weekend!
Bourque - Jeny, do you teach LD?
Jeny in Los Angeles - Ret, can they go to a web site and download the standards to get started?
Lisa - read the backdated postings on the web site
Susan - I tried to call for those today but they had already closed. How long did it take to get them once you called and ordered them?
Jeny in Los Angeles - Bourque, yes I do teach LD
Ret in OH - The best things to do about standards is to go to join our group and download the bulleted standards in our files.
Bourque - Where can I get the bulleted standards I've read about?
Bourque - Where in the files are they?
Lisa - I think everyone in here now teaches LD
Ret in OH - Join our support group, http://www.egroups.com/subscribe/EXCEPTIONAL-NEEDS Then, go to the message page and go to message #6535
Susan - I don't have any LD students. Just DH, autistic, and Other health impaired.
Ret in OH - I am a resource room teacher as well......LD and DH
Jeny in Los Angeles - Susan, how many students do you serve?
Lisa - when do you all go back to school?
Jeny in Los Angeles - I go at the end of August.
Bourque - I pretty much teach language arts, do you think I have a chance with the assessment center exercises?
Susan - Most years I've had 16. So I shouldn't have any trouble finding 5 or 6 to "feature!!!"
Ret in OH - August 21
Jeny in Los Angeles - Hi Deb. Can you tell us about yourself. Are yo a new candidate? What category?
Ret in OH - I will have 19 or 20 LD /DH and 10 regular ed students
Lisa - you have an unusual situation Ret, with regular kids mixed in
Jeny in Los Angeles - Yes, absolutely you have a chance. No problem, Bourque.
Ret in OH - It's a new service delivery plan we're trying...an experimental model
Bourque - Thanks for the encouragement, I've heard so much about the need for content area knowledge. Is that true?
Lisa - will this be the first year
Jeny in Los Angeles - Deb, are you there?
Deb in IL - I just finished National Board in June. I teach LD primary ages K - 3; am also a collaborative interventionist (I work with any student in the building who is having difficulty with academics or behavior) I also have BD resource students.
Lisa - I will be interested to see how it goes.
Susan - Did any of you feel that one section was harder or easier than all the others?
Lisa - I got a new book this week that is GREAT for teaching kids with behavior problems...
Lisa - It is called Teaching the Tiger
Lisa - I think the group I worked with had the most trouble with #3
Deb in IL - Jeny - I am also the Mild Mental Impairment K - 8 coordinator for our district.
Ret in OH - For me....the entries on Literacy and Social Skills were easier (it's easier to anayze videos--for me)
Jeny in Los Angeles - Susan, I think we all haad our demons. Mine was Entry 1, probably cause I waited too long to get going on it.
Lisa - I felt I repeated my self a lot in the social entry
Jeny in Los Angeles - Yes, I agree Ret. Was easier for me to analyze the videos also.
Jeny in Los Angeles - We all felt we reepeated ourself ad nauseum throughout the process, no?
Lisa - Yes, but more so in 3 for me
Lisa - I had problem saying it all without going over!
Ret in OH - Definitely....some of the questions need revision...too much repetition.
Lisa - in each entry
Ret in OH - I think entry 4 was my most difficult...investigating student learning.
Jeny in Los Angeles - Hi Laura. Can you tell us about yourself. Are you just starting.
Ret in OH - The most stressful was definitely the assessment center exercises--for me.
Deb in IL - The least stressful for me was the assessment center. I should have prepared better for Jake.
Jeny in Los Angeles - Laura and Deb, do you have colleagues doing the process along wth you, or are you sorta alone?
Bourque - For Jake?
Jeny in Los Angeles - Oh, Deb, sorry - I blanked there for a moment!
Laura - Hello, I'm from FL; have just finished NBPTS in Excep Ed
Ret in OH - I felt that the Assessment Center exercises were easier than the portfolio...but I didn't like the time limit and not having a hard copy of the questions / etc.
Jeny in Los Angeles - Yes for me Jake drove me nuts!!!
Lisa - Laura, I just saw your profile says Fire Truck Builder??
Bourque - Who/What is Jake?
Jeny in Los Angeles - Congratulations, Deb and Laura both!
Ret in OH - Congratulations Laura! Are you a member of our exceptional needs support group?
Deb in IL - I was in a University cohort with 13 others. There were 2 of us in exceptional needs
Laura - my husband is the fire truck builder!
Ret in OH - Bourke....in one of the assessment center exercises you have to design lesson plans in social studies to accommodate Jake (an LD student)
Laura - Jake was the subject of our assessment center exercise
Jeny in Los Angeles - Yes, its a separate egroup from the other NBC group. I get it confused, but Ret knows the difference. I'm a computer novice...
Deb in IL - I felt that our mentor did not realy support the Exceptional Needs candidates nor the kindergarten teahcers
Laura - yes, several of them!
Bourque - How much SS content knowledge is needed?
Deb in IL - Jake was one of the prompts - we're not allowed to discuss the prompts.
Laura - are the people in this chat veterans of NBPTS or new candidates?
Jeny in Los Angeles - Ret, can you give the address for our escpetional need group again. Its not the same as the other NBC egroup...
Ret in OH - Bourke....you have to develop a unit on social justice and equality (that's all I can say)
Bourque - I am brand new from Charleston, SC
Deb in IL - Laura, I completed the process in June
Jeny in Los Angeles - Bourque, right now, you are the only new candidate online with us.
Susan - I'm new and doing the mild/moderate certification.
Bourque - We have a group going through the process bot only maybe 4 in exceptional needs.
Lisa - Now is your chance to pick out brain
Jeny in Los Angeles - Oh, sorry Susan. I didn't see our name up there.
Bourque - Glad your here Susan
Bourque - I'll be doing the mild/moderate certificate, too.
Deb in IL - Bourque, The Exceptional needs egroup is one of the best supports I know. Feel free to post questions, comments, concerns. We'll help all we can.
Susan - We have a group of 10 people in our district; but I am the only one in Exceptional needs. My mentor knows nothing about special ed; so I'll be here most Fridays I'm sure!
Bourque - I've been reading the digest daily just to know what's going on.
Ret in OH - Our college support group didn't give much help either to us...my greatest source of help was about 180 special educators in our support group on-line.
Laura - I think it might help to choose a few mentors here and send emails
Bourque - Does this group meet every Friday?
Deb in IL - Bourque the Exceptional needs portfolio seemed to be very different from the other portfolios
Ret in OH - Yes...we meet every Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern
Jeny in Los Angeles - Its dinner time here in Los Angeles. Great to meet you new candidates. I look forward to future chats with you. Bye for now.
Bourque - I'm waiting on my box now.
Ret in OH - Bourque...is your state paying the fee?
Bourque - Yes!! But we have lots of hoops to jump through.
Susan - Thanks to all of you! I'm getting started on your suggestions this weekend! Have a great weekend and congrats to all who have finished this process!
Ret in OH - The only thing that may hold up the delivery of your box is when payment is made.
Bourque - I've got copies of entries 5 and 6 from someone else's portfolio.
Deb in IL - Bourque - you might want to order an extra copy of the standards book before your box arrives.
Ret in OH - I would get a copy of last year's permission slips and get them signed as soon as school starts
Bourque - I have one copy, do I need another?
Deb in IL - No you only need to begin reading
Ret in OH - I'd also start a communication log and start keeping track of that right away when school starts
Bourque - Permission slips for what from last year?
Ret in OH - From last years candidates...permission from all parents of students that you see
Deb in IL - I used a modified communication log on Entry 4 to document collaboration with other professionals, collagues, parents, etc regarding that student
Bourque - If I'm just now starting, wouldn't I just need this years students and parents permission slips?
Ret in OH - Bourque....do you have any other questions for us?
Bourque - I have a lot but I'll meet your guys next Friday, Okay?
Bourque - bye.
