SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Is this the EC-Gen Chat?
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Is everyone finished with the AC and is breathing a sigh of relief?
ljbrenden - This is my first time on this chat. What does everyone normally talk about about NB?
Lori K/FL - finished yesterday...so happy to be done for now!
diane - hi all.....i am stressing over the problem on the ring but i am here because i take the ac on 6/18
Patty - I test on june 12th
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Yes, this is the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Chat for Early Childhood teachers.
jlively - I test on the 26th.
Patrice in KY - Lori, we joined CIW ranks on the same day.
diane - lori...i am in fl too...was is ok or did it freak you out like others have said?
Lori K/FL - Hurray!!!
Patrice in KY - diane, don't stress...we are ok
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - I really think a late testing date is better...last year I took the test on the 8th...I wished it had been later...
Lori K/FL - its going to be a long wait...but now i can focus on other things I have to get done
Patrice in KY - ljbrenden...we talk about whatever concerns we hav all along the way of the NB journey
ljbrenden - I'm just getting ready to begin this in the fall and am feeling pretty overwhelmed at the moment
Patrice in KY - Lori, I made my study look a bit more presentable today.
diane - i have read thru teachers manual on ss and it was almost all about communities....i have read thru standards book on ss and figure i better just relax for now on ss since i don't know what else to read
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - I can remember after the AC, I couldn't function doing regular things...I still felt like I was supposed to be doing NB stuff....I guess that is one reason why I still read the messages on this ring..
Patty - We will be here to help you!
Patrice in KY - Welcome to the realm of overwhelment, ljbrnden. LOL
Aggieb(K) - Cindy, we appreciate you staying around for guidance
Patrice in KY - diane...the standards...always remember the standards. All of NB is standards based.
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - I really haven't given much...I am going to be an assessor for 2 weeks this summer...
Lori K/FL - diane, i'll tell ya, i don't think any amount of studying could prepare you for the center...you know the stuff...you just need to be quick about it....30 minutes from start to finish doesn't give you time to think
ljbrenden - other than downloading my state's standards and beginning to list professional things I've done in the past, and reading through the NBPTS standards and portfolio manual I downloaded, anything else I should work on this summer?
Patrice in KY - Yes, ljbrenden....get your hands on some of the professional books this wondeful group of people suggest.
Lori K/FL - cindy, be kind!
diane - anybody know the answer??? is each question on the ac graded by a DIFFERENT assesor???
ljbrenden - and where do I find that list?
Patrice in KY - oooohhhhh, Cindy...take lots of chocolate in with you to keep you in an upbeat mood.
Patrice in KY - ljbreden, have you access the EC-Gen files yet? They are listed there.
Lori K/FL - there are a lot of science resources on the internet that you can download....pbs has some, just do a search in inquiry science and you should be able to find some
Aggieb(K) - Cindy what wil you assess
diane - remember we love you so much cindy!!!!
Patrice in KY - what grade do you teach ljb?
ljbrenden - here or the yahoo site?
Patrice in KY - cindy, want me to wash your car???? walk your dog??? do your homework???
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - ljbrenden ,you can begin planning two way communications with your students parents to begin using on the very first day of school...also type up a blank daily communication log that will be ready for you to start writing in on your school's orientation day in Aug. One of those sheets will be good for documentation of communication with parents.
ljbrenden - 4th
Aggieb(K) - each subject is graded by a different assessor , this is what I was told.
Patrice in KY - ljb, how many of your children are 8 years old?
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Patrice, you are toooo funny!
ljbrenden - i already have a weekly sheet that communicates to parents about whether assignments have been completed or not and a (usually weekly)newsletter. do i need more?
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Each portfolio entry is graded by different person....I understand that this year's candidates will be graded twice..at least that's what I heard...
ljbrenden - Patrice, none, they're 9 turning 10
Lori K/FL - they are lookinfg for 2-way communication.....between parent/teacher
diane - i couldn't get the tutorial to run....when i hit continue it just gave me the page with "using the mouse"...."taking the tutorial" and hit next nothing happened
Patrice in KY - I think it would be a wonderful experience to score. Just think of all those good teaching ideas you will get to come across. Pretty good professional development if you ask me.
jlively - Is anybody else a banker?
Lori K/FL - if you can operate your home computer, you can operate the one at the assessment center with no trouble
Patrice in KY - ljb, are you going for EC-Gen or Middle Gen?
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Ljbrenden...yes..an individual sheet for each child that shows continual communication throughout the year...but you only need to submit one or however many you prefer..
Aggieb(K) - what will you assess cindy , if I may ask?
diane - lori...that is what i figured...i certainly had enough experience from the portfolio
Patrice in KY - diane, you might need to restart your computer and give it another try
ljbrenden - parents do sign and return both of these, and there is a space for responses form parents. i also have a number of parents who work in the classroom weekly or bi-weekly.
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - I'm assessing bankers science...I think that will be very interesting...
ljbrenden - Middle Gen
diane - i tried twice...willl venture to my old elem school next week and try one of their computers since i am moving to a brand new facility in aug.
Patrice in KY - ljb, many of the same suggestions go for you as well as EC Gen, just bear in mind that your portfolio has different type questions than the ones most of us have done/are doing. That means some of your professional reading will take a bit of a different direction.
ljbrenden - patrice, so are most of you EC-Gen?
Patrice in KY - diane, if all else fails you will get to do it at the center and it really is very simiple.`
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Also, if you are just starting out...make friends with a store keeper who makes color copies...I convinced mine to only charge me 65cents for each of my color copies....color is so much better than black and white for samples of children's work...
Ginger - Hey, what a crazy day this is for our ring!!!
Patrice in KY - yes, ljb....today's chat is EC, but you will get some good tips anyway.
diane - yes i think most of us are ec-gen
ljbrenden - there are a group of us from my district doing this, so hopefully our district will do this for us. That will something for me to check on.
Ginger - hey, patrice. I am so sorry to hear that the AC was not a positive experience
Patrice in KY - ljb, there is also a MC-Gen group
Ginger - i did pray for you that day, just that you would have the presence of mind to complete it
Patrice in KY - No sweat, Ginger...I have shaken it off...upward and onward.
ljbrenden - i guess i didn't read carefully. that's what i get for trying to multi-task! lol
Ginger - i will test on July 2 out in CA at my sister's house
Patrice in KY - Do you know, just before Robin and I stepped into the test she said "I feel the prayers, don't you?" Gave me goosebumps. Thanks kiddo....you are on my calendar.
Aggieb(K) - Ginger aren't you from NY
Lori FL/K - i think i'm back--aol got me again.....
Ginger - yes, aggie, how are you?
Patrice in KY - multi tasking is critical for NB, ljb. LOL
Ginger - what are we talking about today?
Ginger - I am giving a promo for NB in my diestrict on Tuesday
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - I don't mean to bring up a forbidden subject, but will that candidate really get disqualified because of her post? I only found out about it today...
Aggieb(K) - Kelly sent a messsage and said No
ljbrenden - i just went to yahoo mc-gen and there seems to be no activity and the ec-gen is very active.
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Whew! Isn't she lucky!
bruppert - good question, Cindy, I was wondering the same question
Patrice in KY - I don't know, Cindy. But I think the NB REALLY does take the confidentiality issure VERY seriously
Ginger - ljb, that's because we are a bunch of loudmouths!!!!
Patrice in KY - ljb, part of that is the middle people are a month ahead of us in the process. Many have already tested and are in the dormant phase of their MC life cycle.
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - ljb, the early childhood ring is very friendly and helpful...it seems someone is always posting something every few minutes...
ljbrenden - guess i teach at the wrong level! LOL
Ginger - i felt so sorry for Kelly today, putting up with so much grief when she does this for us
Ginger - i would be so sad if she was discouraged
Ginger - ljb, are you a newbie?
Patrice in KY - there is still time, ljb....run, run, run for a kindergarten position.
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - I'm going to leave now....
Ginger - oh, not kindergarten! They wet their pants!
Patty - I wish people would read what she posts carefully, she nas to post the same thing over and over.
Patrice in KY - kelly has basically been mother for almost 2000 people. She is amazing!
Ginger - bye, cindy
Lori FL/K - I got my kinder positon because i was certified for K and no one else wanted K!
SC Cindy NBCT 2001 - Second grade is good Ginger!
Patty - I love my Kinders
Lori FL/K - i wouldn't change with anybody....and to think I thought I wanted to teach intermediate grades!
Ginger - i agree, cindy!
Patrice in KY - That's ok Ginger.....make me laugh hard enough and I might be right there with them. LOL.....Now you know more than you needed to know!!
Ginger - i know that K teachers hear a unique calling....you are the angels!
Aggieb(K) - I teach k and I would hate to change also,, it is my love and life
Ginger - I do know that my second graders have made me laugh so hard I couldn't teach!
ljbrenden - Ginger, yes I am, and trying to tread water. I'm fortunate to have a district support group.
Ginger - so what could we do for Kelly?
diane,fl - i got kicked off...i loved kinder until i moved to 2nd...they are so much fun to talk to
Patrice in KY - Ginger, I think staying on the ring and supporting Newbies and each other is Kelly's dream....so we can continue to do that.
Patty - I Agree Patrice
Patrice in KY - Hi leslierun
diane,fl - i feel so bad for kelly...she has done so much for us all
Ginger - i'll be there with you, Patrice
Aggieb(K) - I think she would appreciate if we stuck with the ring and just support everyone.. I just posted a thread,, In for the long haul
Ginger - this helped me more than anything else
Kelly - LOL - Caught you!
Ginger - and having met such wonderful people has made this a special blessing
Kelly - Everybody has to go back to being their usual, smart selves - collaborating with each other. That's all. Plain and simple!
Patty - I read your post Aggieb. very inspireing
Aggieb(K) - Were you listening, Kelly?
diane,fl - me too...too late to convince those who unsubscribed
Ginger - HI Kelly!!!
bruppert - well everyone is talking of you Miss Kelly!!
Ginger - May we send you a bunch of hugs???
Patrice in KY - Hi Kelly!
Kelly - No need to! Just let us get back to what we're here for - supporting one another!
Aggieb(K) - :<
Kelly - Ginger - THAT I gladly accept!
Ginger - thanks for being willing to put up with the dummies who can't even figure out how to unsubscribe, and those who just don;'t get what this is about
diane,fl - hey ginger...are you the ginger in ny?
Patrice in KY - I am supposed to be packing for a trip....I just felt I need to be here in support today.
Kelly - Hi tallred - how are you today?
Ginger - yes, diane, how are you?
Patrice in KY - hello tallred.ms
tallred.ms - Hello all, I just signed in . I am a little apprehensive I take the assessment Moday. Pray, pray, pray
diane,fl - i am fine although still stressing about the ac
Patrice in KY - deep breaths, tallred.ms
Kelly - Ginger - I had 7 messages in my home email this morning asking me to unsubscribe them! I lost it! How could someone remember how to get in touch with me but claim to not be capable of unsubscribing themselves! UGH. My frustration hit its all time high!
Lori FL/K - tallred, relezx, you'll do fine
Patty - tallred - I follow you on Wednesday.
tallred.ms - I went through the practice on the NBPTS site and it didn't seem that bad. but I am afraid I will go blank
Patrice in KY - Just like our kids, sometimes...they want to take the easy way out and ask us to do it for them.
diane,fl - the people trained to assess must understand thru their training that we can't write everything we want to write and HAVE to be trained to take that into account afterall 30 mins is nothing
ljbrenden - Thanks for our input folks! You are a terrific group of people.
Kelly - tallred, it sounds like you just need to go in there and show them what you already know how to do. Someone this morning posted about being upset that they didn't have time to reflect - talking about how they had thought reflection was so important to nbpts. Well, it is! That's why your portfolio is worth 60% of your score! But at the AC you show what you know!
Aggieb(K) - I hope they are looking for key information
tallred.ms - I found the assessment center yesterday, I am so.... over studying though
Lori FL/K - i did ac on friday....time to relax...did my best and thats all i can do....will see how things turn out in november, until then, i am going to enjoy myself
Patrice in KY - tallred.ms....just jot key words as you brainstorm when you see the prompt....that will kick your brain in gear.
Kelly - The assessors know your time frame. Don't worry about that! And remember, everyone else only has that time frame, too!
Ginger - i have decided not to stress over the Ac because I know if it doesn't go well, I won't fall of the edge of the earth. I get to try again, and that's what's good about most of life.
tallred.ms - For those you have been you can view all 3 or 4 prompts before beginning can't you? I found myself answering questions before they asked them. Will they score each prompt or the exercies as a whole.
Kelly - Hi Myra - how are you today?
Patrice in KY - That is the conclusion I have come to as well, Ginger.
Patty - Is the AC like the portfolio where they are looking for specific things?
Ginger - him myra, i loved you post about the AC
Patrice in KY - Hi Myra
Ginger - you calmed me a lot
Lori FL/K - gotta go, my sone needs the line.....good luck everyone!
Patrice in KY - bye, Lori
Myra in GA - Hey everyone!
Kelly - tallred - they score the exercise as a whole.
Ginger - most of us have been through some devestating life event that we cannot change and we need to remember that perspecitve
diane,fl - can we share amongst ourselves after we have taken the ac together or no talk at all even if both people took it
Kelly - Patty - they are looking for certain KINDS of things....not specific activities, though....
Aggieb(K) - They lift evidence.. That is what I was assured, not matter where they find it. as long as you stateit as evidence.. for example a strategy might fall somewher in another part. I was told this my an assesor ,, It is not gospel.
Patrice in KY - the time you are working does just fly!! I didn't even take the15 minute break because I kind of got on a roll.
Kelly - Hi princess - how are you today?
Kelly - And Lynn, welcome!
Ginger - i took some time to sit in the sun and read today...of course, I was reading Morning Meeting, but i was relaxing and drinking iced tea!
Patty - Kelly, I went back to some of the posts you made in Nov when scores were coming out, They helped me to think pf this in a more positive light.
princess - hi everybody
Ginger - i am kind of ADD and that concerns me. I don't sit well during a movie, even
lynn/sc/3 - hi kelly and everyone!
diane,fl - ginger...come on down and sip the tea in my pool...how about it?
Patty - KInds of things is what I meant. Thank you
Ginger - hi, princess. I don't know you. Are you a newbie?
princess - fine and you?
Kelly - Aggieb - I think you are completely correct. Diane in FL - obviously nbpts has no way of knowing if you talk to anyone about it. But the agreement you sign says you will not discuss it with ANYONE.
Ginger - yes, diane, i would love to do that
Patrice in KY - diane, you will write a statement that says you will keep it all confidential....THey will have it in black and white....unless of course you use a BLUE pen.
Myra in GA - I hope my assessors have a sense of humor. Some of my answers have to make them laugh.
princess - no 12 years english elem
Kelly - Patty - Glad those old posts are helpful! They really are true, too!
diane,fl - ok kelly will do as i am told...i don't want to upset anyone or violate anything either...willl keep my mouth shut!!
Patrice in KY - Myra, that is what I felt about my portfolio entries too.
Aggieb(K) - I am concerned that I will not put enough content information an just dance with pedagogy all the way. But if you answered the questions you would be on target
Kelly - Aggieb - yes, definitely answer the questions. If you do that, you'll be fine!
Aggieb(K) - Kelly, my comment was that it was like the portfolio,, they lift evidence they do not take away from you.
Aggieb(K) - If you put it down, as evidence then that is what it is,,
Kelly - Aggieb - yes, you're right.
ginger - princess, are you going for National Boards?
diane,fl - ginger...i would welcome you if you wanted to visit...e-mail me if you are serious
lynn/sc/3 - kelly, i just came on because of some last minute panic i have been seeing in emails, and since i can't post to the group, i wanted to stick in my 2 cents here
ginger - wow, thanks, diane, i can't imagine a more fun trip than to drive to Fla., stopping along the way in Kentucky!
Patrice in KY - come on, Ginger....red carpet is waiting!!!
diane,fl - well ginger you have my home e-mail so just let me know
ginger - thanks, maybe I could actually do that after school starts next year!
Patrice in KY - diane, where are you in fl?
Kelly - Lynn - be my guest!
Patrice in KY - i am headed to daytona EARLY tomorrow morning
lynn/sc/3 - i was a mess at the AC, figured i flubbed it big time. I didn't recall and still don't recall having a single assessment in my writeup...and I passed! So everyone, calm down. This is doable!
diane,fl - kissimmee....unofficial home of mickey mouse
ginger - kelly, is there any time that you are allowed to discuss specifics about the test? Even in the fall, after everyone has taken it?
Patrice in KY - diane....I dreamed about Mickey Mouse last week...LOL
ginger - diane, I'll be spending my summer about 10 minutes from Disneyland, where I grew up
Myra in GA - Patrice, I am so jealous!
lynn/sc/3 - I wasted 5 months second guessing myself. They are going to lift whatever they can.... and where they could, they obviously found assessment of some kind in mine, because you have assessment in each rubric from 2-4 and so they must be on my side when they score them.
diane,fl - unfortunately i am spending my summer here since i am a single mom and never g
tallred.ms - okay, guys you are giving me travel fever. I flew from MS gulf coast to Hollywood, FL the day after I mailed "the box". It was wonderful therapy. I may go back in a couple of weeks. PHEW!! Time to get over the assessment center then.
diane,fl - unfortunately i am spending my summer here since i am a single mom and never g
ginger - have fun, patrice. You deserve it. I;ll still be teaching for another 3 weeks
ginger - hi, kate
Patrice in KY - Hey, Myra, want me to swing by and pick you up?
Kelly - ginger - that plain answer is no. There is no time limit on how long you agree to be quiet. I think lots of people used to think that if nbpts used the topic one year, that they wouldn't use it again, and so dropped it off their 'to study' list. Of course that's nuts, because what if you get in there and it IS that same topic...wouldn't you feel stupid? But the idea is to not reveal anything about the prompts at the AC - not anything specific...
ginger - hey, diane, i was a single mom, too. Just make up cheap vacations
Patrice in KY - ginger, when do you have to head back to school?
Kelly - Hi Kate - how are you today?
ginger - I'll come back to NY on Aug. 25 and begin school the Tuesday after Labor Day
diane,fl - have a single $ to go anywhere...maybe if i get my nbpts i will have a few $$ to do something
Myra in GA - Patrice, I'd love for you to! Don't think my hubby and kids would be too happy though.
Kelly - Hi Kathy - how are things up your way?
Kelly - I'm a single mom, too!
ginger - ok, kelly, it's so wierd to be in command of information that you are NEVER supposed to talk about
Kathy in CT - Hi Kelly, great here. Feels good to be finished with the ac. Now on to getting my daughter to college!
Patrice in KY - Myra, this is a girl's trip....my team teachers. No cooking, no cleaning....just lying on the beach, eating out and shopping.
Myra in GA - How fun Patrice! You'll have to tell me all about it after you get back!
ginger - my boys and I used to go to the local drag racing place on saturday evenings and look through the fence. We used to go to the local airport and watch the hot air balloons lift off. And we would have a picnic on the living room rug, complete with paper plates!
Aggieb(K) - My college kid and I decided to hit the road, with just a suitcase and a road map..
Patrice in KY - When we go we act like a bunch of teenagers. So nice just to let the hair down and laugh and be silly.
diane,fl - one more time ladies ( i think) let's all tell kelly how much we love her
lynn/sc/3 - Ginger, I look at it this way. I EARNED my national boards. It would cheapen the process if others had information that some didn't. That statement assures all of us for the entire generation have a level playing field and we all earn our certification.
Patrice in KY - Group hug!! (((((()))))))
ginger - thanks, lynn, it is such a priviledge to be a part of this team
bruppert - WE love you , yeah yeah, we love you yeah yeah
Myra in GA - We Love You Kelly!!!
Kelly - Well, it seems that everyone here is doing just fine! I'm going to get going. My son is coming home shortly and I still have a few things to get ready! Have a good week, everybody! Thanks for the hugs...I really do appreciate you guys! You all be good, now!
ginger - kelly, if there is anything I can ever do for you, name it. This ring kept me going for months,and I will do my part now
Aggieb(K) - Thanks Kelly :<
Kelly - Thanks, again, everybody....bye!
lynn/sc/3 - Take care kelly
bruppert - thanks Kelly
ginger - i'd better go, too. the sun is still shining and it hasn't done that too often lately. Have a great trip, patrice, and I'll see everyone on the ring
Patrice in KY - Gotta' scoot.....suitcase is calling. Everyone have a good week, assessing friends, you are nearly there, CIW friends....relax and NB friends....take care. Bye
bruppert - Aggie, did you take your AC yet?
lynn/sc/3 - i am heading out, too. I just wanted to let you all know I am here reading, even responding one on one........ just can't post to the ring at this time....... So email me if I can support anyone.
Myra in GA - Have a great time Patrice!
Aggieb(K) - I haven't tested yet.. I think I am too afraid to
Lois,fl - Any advice to someone just startingout.
bruppert - I know from your posts you have put alot of time and energy into your studying. YOU will do fine AGGIE!!
Kathy in CT - Don't be afraid Aggie! You will do just fine. From your posts and here on the chats you are well prepared and a wonderful teacher. Good luck!
diane,fl - lois...start reading...do you test before you do your portfolio?
tallred.ms - Lois I would definitely bein getting together a list of accomplishments and start thinking about ways to document them.
diane,fl - aggie...i know you will do well....wish you could test for me because i know you will have those initials after your name in nov
Kathy in CT - GO to the EC-Gen files on the yahoo groups. They are a gold mine and an excellent place to start reading.
bruppert - WEll let us know when you test and I promise I will pray for you too AGGIE
Lois,fl - Don't know the order, test or portfolio. I just sent in my application yesterday.
Aggieb(K) - I am going to practice yoga from here on out, i used to do it daily
Aggieb(K) - Yes, Yoga helps!!
diane,fl - lois...where in fla?
bruppert - Lois, you are farther along just being here than I was. We didn't learn of this ring until NOV
Lois,fl - Winter Haven, Polk County
diane,fl - i didn't discover the ring until march
Aggieb(K) - off topic,, I got chased by a pack of 6 or 7 dogs,,I walk daily and I see dogs all the time.. I was weaing hot pink ..could that have set them off. I am luck to be alive.. I know what to treasure. Life
diane,fl - not far from me as i am in osceola county
bruppert - You should keep a large stick with you if you have dogs around you. I have not heard that pink would set them off. maybe you smell too sweet. LOL
Aggieb(K) - I will see all of my faithful friends on the email ring.. keep them coming I need the support and so does many others
Kathy in CT - Have to go. The family resented poor or nonexistent dinners while I did the portfolios and studied for the ac! Have to make amends.
Aggieb(K) - Something set them off,, maybe I smelled like ham or something
Aggieb(K) - bye
Aggieb(K) - Good luck to all at the AC
bruppert - bye and thanks for all your posts.AGGie
diane,fl - me too...i have one asking about dinner now..see you soon
tallred.ms - Thanks, Aggieb, ciaou
Aggieb(K) - bruppert,, thanks, and thanks to all for believing in me
bruppert - you will be fine, believe in yourself as you would tell your own students.
bruppert - gotta go. see you all bye for now
