Ret in OH - Does anyone have any questions about the National Board process?
Ret in OH - This is a chat session for teachers who are considering or are pursuing National Board certification in Exceptional Needs
Cindy - I'm here to help mentor, if needed :)
Ret in OH - Amy and Ros....are you pursuing National Boards?
amy - Ret-Yes I do. I just received the application to go through the process, and wanted to know if anyone has gone through it before. I have been going back and forth deciding if it is something I should undertake.
Cindy - It doesn't look like we have any takers right now. Have you started back to school Ret?
Ret in OH - I went into my room today to start getting organized. I go back the 21st....the kids start the 24th. How about you Lisa?
Ret in OH - Amy...I completed the process in Mild/Moderate last year. I believe that Lisa and Cindy also have completed it.
Cindy - Amy- NBPTS is a wonderful process if you are looking to grow as a professional. There are times that you feel at your wits end, honestly. However, you meet teachers all over the country through the process and really do change your thought processes for the better in the classroom.
Lisa in NC - I have a question about NB. We have two new standards this year. One about communication and the other one is about diversity. My classroom is not diverse. How can I address this issue?
Ret in OH - Amy...have you joined the Exceptional Needs National Board support group? If not, you can go to: http://www.egroups.com/subscribe/EXCEPTIONAL-NEEDS We have 200 teachers in our group.....most completed the process last year
Cindy - Communication can be written or verbal, fluency or functional. Does that help?
Ret in OH - Lisa...what do you mean...2 new standards?
deborah - lisa I think diversity can cover economic levels, male /female, etc
Cindy - Diverse? Meaning individualized needs? Ethnic differences?
Lisa in NC - I believe I have a copy of the standards from last year's group. It only had 12 standards. When I got my box, we had 14.
Ret in OH - Lisa....not to worry...the standards haven't changed...we had 14 last year. Diversity and Communication are not new.
Lisa in NC - My classroom is somewhat diverse with individual needs, but not ethnically or socially. I teach in a small school in the mountains of NC.
amy - Thanks for the feedback. I have joined the NB support group website, and have been reading the various emails, but I am still not sure exactly what it involves to become certified. I read a little about the portfolio and assessment-is it very difficult and involved?
Cindy - Lisa- do you have a range of types of home environments? socio/economic status?
Lisa in NC - thanks, I'll try not to worry although it's hard now that the box has arrived.
Ret in OH - Glancing at the standards....diversity also addresses equal treatment, fairness, and respect for diversity in individuals
Ret in OH - Amy...National Boards is a time consuming project...but you can do it.
Lisa in NC - Cindy, thanks for the ideas, I could probably look into home environments, etc.
Ret in OH - The year that you pursue National Boards...you want to try to free yourself from as many responsibilities (committees etc) as possible so that you don't feel overburdened
amy - I think I would like to pursue it, but I don't want to be stressed out and overwhelmed all year-I want to enjoy my students and school year.
Lisa in NC - deborah thanks for your ideas also. This is my first time in a chat room and evidently I'm not reading or typing fast enough.
Ret in OH - Amy....I completed the process mostly on weekends and spring break. Just don't procrastinate...and you'll have plenty of time.
Cindy - Amy- There were 6 portfolio entries last year where you either discussed your accomplishments professionally and with family OR answered questions based on what you do in your classroom, why you do it, and what you learn from what you do. The questions are very specific and you will find times that once you get started answering a question the answer just flows. However, this is a time consuming process that will make you cry and build you up at the same time. I personally quit counting once I got to 200 hrs. I have heard that others did it in 100 hrs. The video taping was actually very easy and you don't notice that it's even on once you start teaching. If you set a routine to work on the boards, the time allowed is more than adequate in my opinion.
Ros - those of you that teach bd- what do you think is the main difference between teaching bd kids in a center school for severely emotionally disturbed students vs. teaching them in your more common mainstream school?
Cindy - The mainstream school allows for a less restrictive environment and also has positive peer role models.
Ret in OH - Ros...I think that 1 disadvantage of teaching children with bd in a center school is that they probably don't have access to good role models nor get to participate with their peers that aren't bd
Cindy - In my school, however, the BED students do not have regular counseling as a related service.
deborah - I just purchased G cartledges social skills book that was recommened on this chat a few weeks ago and I plan on reading it this week
SusanRandall - "just do it"- once you start, you will be ok, and Lisa in NC, you just start writing one entry, and you will start thinking of other things that you had forgotten about! Also the info you give about your community and school will fill the scorers in on your limitations re population makeup
deborah - good! it was alot of money for me but I think it will be worth it
Ros - what you guys are saying does make sense, but, do any of you think that maybe in a center school, they have a better chance to not get lost in the shuffle
Cindy - One thing I learned is that once you start writing your portfolios, don't stray to far from the questions. If a sentence does not apply to the question when you reread, delete it. You'll need the space.
amy - Thanks Ret and Cindy for your advice. I think I will probably go for it, but I still get nervous thinking about it! How was the assessment part of the certification. I read that there are four 90 minute assessments. Are they written tests or practicals\\
Ret in OH - Ros...Perhaps it's easier for them not to get lost in the shuffle...but isn't the overall goal for them to be able to re-join their peers?
deborah - are there any other books or sources that you would reccomend?
Sandy - Another question - is it best to do the portfolio and not to think about the assessment center until you're through with that? I applied in May, but haven't yet got the box. Things are OK, but the state comptroller hasn't yet issued the check.
Cindy - The assessment center was fair. WE cannot discuss too many details due to a "pledge to secrecy" but if you have experience in special ed and do not have tremendous testing anxiety, you will be able to answer with the preparation that you will go through given the portfolios and AC prompts.
Ret in OH - Amy...Go for it! It does make you nervous but it's a good experience. The assessment center was a little nerve wracking because of the timer....90 minutes goes very fast. But hang in there with us and we'll get you through it!
Ret in OH - Definitely...don't give the assessment center a second thought until your portfolio is in the mail!
Cindy - I agree with Ret... Do the portfolio 1st, then you will have time to prepare for AC
amy - What happens when you accomplish NB certification?
Ret in OH - Deborah...can't think of any books at this time...I'll keep thinking. Give yourself a good general overview of special ed preschool to adult. Brush up on behavior management, communication, self-advocacy, literacy, etc.
Sandy - I am really eager to do this as I feel it will help my students. I have a new job at a new school, but it's much better than the previous situation.
Cindy - I would think the center school would be for the students who cannot be successful in even a separate setting within a mainstreamed school and who need intense counseling to work through their issues.
Ret in OH - Ros...I think for the more severe students...as long as there is a plan in place so that they can progress toward the goal and joining their peers...then it's ok. But if there's no plan and they are "stuck" there...I don't think that's good.
Cindy - 12% pay increase, honor, satisfaction
SusanRandall - Lisa, everyone kept saying, "don't wait" so I just decided to start trying out some answers, even though I wasn't ready to start. It may not work for you, but writing made my thoughts 'flow' even better. I KNOW that there is no way I can use all of what I wrote, but it sure felt good to get past that initial barrier of not having done anything yet. Hope that makes sense. I also annoy the heck out of the pioneer group about their opinions on whatever I think up. Participate in the group!
max - susan, what is the pioneer group?????
Ret in OH - Hey Susan...that's what we're there for...to be annoyed. Aren't you the one that is paying me $2???
Sandy - I too am doing that - connecting with and asking NBCs to mentor. In my state if they do so for 92 hrs they get additional 3500$
SusanRandall - All those who went first!
Ret in OH - Max...the pioneer group is the first group of teachers who went through the Exceptional Needs certification process. I am one of them. You can join our group of 200 exceptional needs teacher by going to http://www.egroups.com/subscribe/EXCEPTIONAL-NEEDS
max - and was last year the first year that special ed was a part of NB?
Cindy - Through the NBPTS process, I have felt more appreciated as an educator than ever before.
Ret in OH - Yes...last year was the first year for special ed
SusanRandall - Yes, Ret, you are going to be rich before this is over!
max - I went to the initial meeting, but backed out due to my particular situaation
Ret in OH - Wow...now...Susan...if every week my pay increases $1...WOW!
Ros - ret in ohio- i talked to the principal recently of a local center school- - he said that they have a specific plan for each of their kids- he said that they dont want them there any longer than they have to be
Cindy - Ros- sounds like a good transition program
Ret in OH - Ros...did the principal tell you what percentage of students reach the goal of re-joining the mainstream school? That may be important. If there's a plan but nobody every gets to the goal...that wouldn't be good.
Sandy - Ros, won't some of those students stay in the situation due to multiple exceptionalities?
Ret in OH - Sandy...hang in there...some weeks we get booted more than other weeks.
Ros - cindy- i think so to- this spring semester, im going to do my student teaching there
SusanRandall - Max, you can still do it, and start learning some things ahead that will help. That is the advantage of being in the 2nd group, I have found. That is why I nicknamed my mentors in the group the 'pioneers.'
Ros - ret- no he did not- this would be a good thing to know
Cindy - Ros- I would have loved to have had an intense, more restrictive setting to place a student 2 yrs ago who was keeping others from learning because so much of my time was taken up controlling her disruptive behaviors.
Ros - sandy- very possible- but arent some of these kids meant to stay in the more restrictive setting- even though we do wantthem to get out of there
max - oh bother, I am going to have to log off and let son send his programing assignment to his prof....I will check the archives if I don't get back in time to see yall again tonite.....thanks for the shot in the arm, I think i can, ithinkican....will
Cindy - Ros- student teaching? Are you working towards NBCT fresh out of college or are you in grad school?
Tammy - What about kids who are very low functioning? Say on the level of a 1 to 2 year old? I have seen those mainstreamed, and don't see any purpose
SusanRandall - Ret, do you recall anyone doing videos outside the classroom? Like on community-based trips, or in school-based transition labs?
amy - Does anyone know of a good reading program for a student with severe apraxia. He is unable to physcially sound out words, but knows all the letters and associated sounds and has a very good sight vocab. He seems to learn best by repetition.
Ret in OH - Susan R....there were a couple of people who discussed making videos outside the classroom in the community....if you can tie it in....it's a great idea
Cindy - Tammy- Socialization with peers, education for the non-disabled, practice surviving in a real-world situation......etc.
Ret in OH - THE BEST sight word program I have found is Reading Milestones by Edmark....fabulous....from non-reader to 5th grade reading level. Great progression rates
Cindy - Amy- What age? Edmark has been wonderful for my low EMD students who are sight word learners
deborah - how expensive is reading milestones?
Ros - cindy- after this yr, i will be entering a master of arts program to get certified- luckily, my placement prof is willing to let me do my student teaching there because there are several bd teachers there that are certified to teach social studies- i want to try and get temporary certification while im still working on my masters
Sandy - Ros, true. I will have Educable Mentally Handicapped in with my SLD and EH/BD this year. I was told today I'm also expected to remain a Reading Renaissance Model Classroom. 14 fulltime students in grades 3 and 4 and 7 primary SLD resource kids in and out. I'll be fine once school starts, but have the jitters now.
Ret in OH - Tammy....just about any goals that you have for low functioning kids can be accomplished in the regular classroom. In fact, goals are often attained quicker due to peer interaction. It's all about being creative in implementation
Cindy - Ros- ARe you completing all your degrees before beginning your career?
Ret in OH - Reading Milestones is about $500 for the whole program....6 reading kits....then add about $300 more for the extended books taht take it on up to 5th grade level
Tammy - I can see mainstreaming resource kids, but have a hard time with very low functioning. It seems like they could learn more in their own class at their level. I have seen very low functioning students placed in jr hgh classes, and they are just left alone. Kids don't socialize with them.
Ros - cindy- i am hoping that i can get a job to teach hs bd kids while still working on my masters- my only concern is whether or not this would be way too much stress
amy - He just turned 15 years old. THanks, I look into the Edmark Program. Is it a complete program, with reading books, workbooks, CD, etc.. or is it just with the computer
deborah - I need grade levels 1-3 could $300 get that?
Ret in OH - Tammy...socialization should be a program set up by the teacher if it's not occurring naturally
Cindy - The mainstreaming should be done as appropriate for each child. My professional opinion is that the student being mainstreamed should benefit from the experience. Why else would you do it?
Sandy - I too have used Edmark and would recommend it.
Tammy - babysitting
Ret in OH - Non-reader to 3rd grade level will be $500. You get 6 reading kits.....teacher manuals, workbooks, and 10 readers in each kit
deborah - not grade levels ...reading levels
Tammy - unfortunately, that seems to be a common reason. Sp ed teacher needs a break
Ret in OH - The stories are very appropriate in Reading Milestones...fiction and non-fiction
Cindy - Ros- Wow! You are ambitious! For me, being a new teacher, working on my masters, and doing NBPTS would be too much,,, but I do have 3 kids and a husband too. More power to you, girl!
Ros - i have thought about getting a job teaching a mainstream hs history class while working on my masters- then going on to teach bd kids- which do you think would be the better road to take, cindy?
deborah - I thought you had to have 3 years exp before nationals?
Ros - cindy- im a guy
SusanRandall - Ret-and others with experience on the portfolios: did you have trouble with getting what you had to day into the space allowed? I know to be concise, but also explain as if to a total stranger, not assuming he knows anything about the situation.
Ret in OH - Ros...do you have 3 years of teaching? That's required to pursue National Boards
Ret in OH - Ros..thanks for letting us know you are a guy! :o)
Ros - ret in ohio- im just going into my senior yr of college
Cindy - Ros- It depends.... what is your "love"? Mine is working with students with Mental Handicaps, the underdog
Cindy - Sorry Ros! You go, guy!
Ros - cindy- ros is short for rosner
Ret in OH - Susan R....I DID have difficulty getting everything within the required space. I had to edit out alot and I juggled my margins by putting the headings and page numbers within the 1 inch space. I also used a 10 point font (the smallest) to get it all in.
Sandy - Is 400 hours an appropriate estimate of time spent on the portfolio?
amy - Thanks for all your advice, inforamtion and encouragement. Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Ros - cindy- due to the fact that i was bd myself all through hs, my true love would definately be to teach bd kids
Cindy - Susan- Once I cut out the fluff, I had very little problem with the space issue. Remember to answer the questions "scientifically" . The assessors don't care so much about how you "feel" about things. They want your reflection on the concrete... what worked, what didn't, what did you learn, etc.
Sandy - Good for you, Ros! They are fun for me and for the same reason.
Cindy - I would go for BD then.
SusanRandall - Cindy- do you have second thoughts now, or are you pretty sure/content of your choices?
Cindy - Susan- don't get me wrong... I had to rewrite many, many times to realize what the "fluff" was and it took a long time to find a mentor honest enough to be clear about what I needed and what I could leave out.
Ret in OH - Sandy...I didn't keep track of the number of hours....but it was alot.
Ros - sandy- that is so cool! i really do believe that i will have a special connection with bd kids, something that i would probably never have teaching a mainstream hs history class
Sandy - They are bright enough to be manipulative, but that conection will make a difference.
Cindy - Susan- I am confidant of my choices, however I still have second thoughts. I probably will until I get the scores. I still have a lot to learn as an educator and hope I always will. So, If I need to bank, I will try to accept that with grace.
Sandy - I'm in FL and have to get up early for a ADHD wksp in the am. Bye and thanks!
Ros - sandy- but how many hrs do you think i would have to have from a masters program before they would give me temporary certification?
SusanRandall - Ros- I am a "divergent learner" and I know that is why I ended up teaching exceptional needs students. Although I was different than what I teach now, I think that I started the courses 'in search of'-- I don't know anyone else with a Marketing degree (BS) and a MA in Education with a specialty in Sp. Ed.
Ret in OH - Ros...in Ohio...as long as you have a teaching degree of any kind....they will give you a temporary certificate...then you have to have 2 courses a year toward certification to maintain it
Ret in OH - Hey Susan...there's a gradebook on mygradebook.com that parents can check on their child's grades every day if they want! It has some great features
Ros - good deal... other teachers have told me that they thought i would need a min of 12 hrs before they would even consider me
SusanRandall - Cindy- I am going to be in 'the big debate' about choices for several months- just wondered if it ever got to be ok? If I am still uncertain, or calm, because I know I did my best, either way you have anxiety til the scores come, right?
Ros - ret- i like what you are saying much better
Ret in OH - The National Board process will make you doubt yourself over and over...even if you know that you reflect the standards in your teaching practice...you are continually asking yourself if you answered their questions, gave them what they're looking for, or
SusanRandall - Ret- I ordered the business cards, thanks, and now I can't wait to get them- do you have yours? That grade thing would be great except my parents do NOT have computers. In the instance of my students, it is true that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. I would love to have that as a 2-way communication tool.
Ros - ret- so as long as i take one course a semester, ill be ok?
Cindy - I have put my worries about NB behind me and gone on with my life. I am confidant that i made the very best choices I could and let it go. Upon finishing I had a few days of feeling kind of empty when I felt like I should have been rejoicing. The relief came a few days later and now I am at peace. The process will put your emotions on a roller coaster but my feelings at this point are positive.
Ret in OH - Ros....there is such a shortage of special ed teachers in Ohio. Last year they hired LD tutors that only had regular ed degrees and no courses or classes in special ed....that didn't work out well. But...they didn't continue and take courses to maintain
Ret in OH - Ros...you would need to check with the school district that employs you....what they require
Ros - ret- thankyou very much for the info- ill ask the principal of the center school where im going to do my student teaching what they require
Ret in OH - Susan R...I haven't received my business cards yet...I'm pretty excited about it. Did you put a graphic on yours?
Ros - im going to get to know their school quite well- im going to do my last 60 hrs of field experience there before i do my student teaching there as well
Cindy - Is there a catch to the business cards or are they really free?
Cindy - They may just keep you there, Ros!
Ret in OH - Cindy...they are really free...you get 250. Of course...Staples is hoping that you will come back and re-order. Expires at the end of august....I think it's only an on-line offer
SusanRandall - Well, Ret, I think you got my color. Maybe some more specifics will come to me, but for now, I have just completed the 1st full week with students, and I am satisfied for the moment. I did not put a graphic on mine, because I chose the ones with the most writing. Our district has some with the district logo- so I just kept mine close to that.
Ros - cindy- this could be a really good thing!
Ret in OH - Is that better Susan?
Cindy - Real life scenerio for you all: I have a student who speaks Spanish at home with her family, but has never spoken at school in her 3 years. Any advise?
Ret in OH - Ros...when you graduate...what areas of certification will you have? Try to get as many certifications as you can as it will make you more valuable to school districts.
SusanRandall - You were just a different shade of green before. I should be the green one, with envy, since you have finished your portfolio/ ac
Cindy - Susan ;lol :)
Ret in OH - Cindy...the students speaks English?
Ros - cindy- what state are you in? this winter break, im visiting a friend in chicago- im going to see if i can get any sp ed contacts up there
SusanRandall - Cindy- does does someone speak to her in Sp at school?
Cindy - Not really, her mother reported (through a translator) that she is teaching her younger sister color words in English. She seems to understand English conversation as she can follow directions most of the time.
Ros - ret- my ba will be a double in sec ed and history- and my masters will of course be in bd ed
Cindy - Ros- N.C.
Josianne - Cindy, I knew a student who spoke only Spanish until he entered first grade. By December, he was speaking only English. Then in March, his Spanish resurfaced, with an American accent. He now speaks both languages fluently.
Josianne - He's fourteen.
Ret in OH - Ros...all good certifications. Every time you go for a degree...go for a different certification
Cindy - I speak to her in Spanish a little ( as much as I know) The ESOL teacher works with her once a week.
Ros - ok... good to know
SusanRandall - Ros- there is a great shortage of teachers in SC in our area
Cindy - This child seems developmentally delayed, possibly even TMD.
Ret in OH - I heard there is a major shortage nationwide for special ed teachers and special ed professors
Cindy - She is 8
SusanRandall - Cindy- does she pass the 'eye test'?
Cindy - yes- She also communicates very well nonverbally, pointing, using eyes, etc.
Ros - ret- an eventual goal of mine is to someday go back to get a phd in sp ed so i can teach at the college level- i guess it all depends on my yrs of experience and how im feeling way down the road
Cindy - Ros- book learning is excellent, however I have found that the experience gives insight. Sometimes the theories are not practical.
Ret in OH - Ros...I would love to get my PhD in special ed. The local college is interested in my taking a position there...but I have to have a PhD. Ohio State University has twice offered me an all expense paid doctorate program...but I'd have to quit my job for 3 years to complete it...can't do that....maybe in the future
Cindy - Ret- could you work on your PhD a couple of courses at a time, after school hours? What an opportunity!
Ros - that would be an excellent opportunity!
Ret in OH - Cindy...No....Ohio State has a very rigorous program that is full time. Much of the time you are teaching at the college and you must present at national conventions etc. It's a wonderful opportunity. When I received my Masters..I presented it at the I
Josianne - My husband just started working on his Ed D. It will take him five years. He will take summer courses and a few on the internet. Would that not be an option for you?
SusanRandall - I always wonder about kids like that- they test low, but they seem smarter than that. I think it is because they can't properly evaluate them, even in the other language. The everyday language in the home is not the same as someone with that as their 2nd language. I don't know many of my English speaking kids who would understand a Japanese asking questions in the 'proper' English learned in classes.
Ros - cindy- i cant say for sure at this point, but i just have this feeling that i will want to stay in the classroom with bd kids, even yrs from now
Ret in OH - When I received my Masters degree..I presented my thesis at the International Applied Behavior Analysis Convention in San Francisco...part of my program. I love OSU!
Ret in OH - Ros...for future PhD reference...OSU has one of the BEST programs for Applied Behavior Analysis in the country...you might want to consider it!
Cindy - Ros- sounds like you have been called to teaching BED. Go for it!
Cindy - Susan-good point..... agreed
Ret in OH - Josianne...I could get an EdD from another school...but I am so much wanting the PhD from OSU because I know of the quality of their program
Ros - well, gotta go everybody- i wish you all a terrific year and best of luck to you all- thanks to everybody for all the info that you have given to me
Cindy - Good luck Ros!
Ret in OH - Good night Ros
Ros - ret and cindy- thankyou very much- goodnight to you both
Cindy - Any time
SusanRandall - Goodnight moon
Cindy - Goodnight John Boy
Ret in OH - Good night Mary Ellen
