Re: NBCTs/candidates

["Betsy" <betsy@mlpowersports.com>]

Hi Cathy,

I certified in 2005 in EA/ELA.  I second what Connie says about 
internalizing the standards.  In fact, I recorded them on a cassette and 
listened to them over and over when I walked my dog or had a long car trip. 
As you read them, think about lessons you already do that pinpoint certain 
standards.

I didn't have any training in ELL and knew that would be a weakness for me, 
too.  So I made an appointment with our district's ELL coach and she gave me 
some information that provided a starting point.  From there I read books 
and did some research.  The strategies are good strategies for every kiddo, 
but there are some terms you'll want to know and any ELL site can help you.

A few final tips:  set up a calendar and hold yourself to it.  The year will 
have a way of slipping by with "have-tos". . .papers to grade, lessons to 
plan, Christmas shopping.  Make working on your entries a real priority. 
(honestly, it became a pleasure to pick it up and revise, revise, revise) 
The second tip is to find a friend who is willing to really read and give 
you some specific criticism.  If you know someone else who is going through 
the process, it is especially helpful if they are NOT in the same cert area. 
When you trade papers to read, you are guaranteed you'll have to be clear, 
concise,consistent, and convincing.

I loved the process and the thought rolls through my head every now and then 
that it might be fun to do the AY/ELA cert as well.  Then reality (or my 
husband) shakes me from that fantasy.

Best of luck.  It truly is the best thing you'll do for yourself and your 
kiddos at school.

Betsy Cornell, NBCT
Washington State


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Connie Pohlgeers" <cpohlgeers@fuse.net>
To: <middle-lit@interversity.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 6:23 PM
Subject: Re: [middle-lit] NBCTs/candidates


> Hi Cathy
>
> I certified in 2001.  I recommend totally internalizing the standards. 
> Make buzz words lists related to each standard and infuse those words into 
> your writing.  Bold the standard terms when writing so that it is easy to 
> read and leaves the scorer with no doubt about you meeting the standards.
>
> It is the most valuable pd I have experienced.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Connie Pohlgeers
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: <SommerWind410@aol.com>
> To: <middle-lit@interversity.org>
> Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2007 7:03 PM
> Subject: [middle-lit] NBCTs/candidates
>
>
> > Hi all~
> >
> > Just wondering how many NBCTs/candidates we have in our midst.  For 
> > those of
> > you who have been through it:  can you share any  advice/suggested
> > readings/resources for someone embarking on the process  this year?
> >
> > I've applied for EAELA and have just completed several days' worth of
> > support classes, which were quite informative and helpful.  But I would 
> > certainly
> > welcome and appreciate any expertise which the wise folks on this  board 
> > might
> > be willing to share.
> >
> > I've decided my first step will be to immerse myself fully in the  NBPTS
> > material over the next few weeks, but I find myself having some  initial 
> > concerns
> > about the assessment center questions and want to begin working  on my 
> > weak
> > areas, too.  I do have not any specialized training in  diagnosing 
> > reading
> > problems nor do I have any training/experience with ELL  students.
> >
> > Any direction or feedback is most appreciated!!!
> > Cathy
> >
> >
> >
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