teaching, accomplished teachers take time to examine their own teaching practices adjusting it to new theories or ideas.


Teachers are members of learning communities.


Accomplished teachers work collaboratively with their colleagues moving the mission of their schools forward. They know and understand where school and community resources are and are knowledgeable on how to attain those resources. They also understand the strength of collaboration with parents and welcome them to be a part of the learning process.


National Board and Music Standards


Based off of the five core propositions, the National Board narrowed the scope of each subject area into more discipline focused standards. Music standards are organized into eight standards:


Standard 1: Knowledge of Students Standard 2: Knowledge of Skills in Music Standard 3: Planning and Implementing Assessment Standard 4: Facilitating Music Learning Standard 5: Learning Environments Standard 6: Valuing Diversity Standard 7: Collaboration Standard 8: Reflection, Professional Growth and Professional Contributions


These standards are not only used for the completion of board certification, but school systems are also using them as the standards to evaluate veteran teachers. “The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) defined accomplished teach ing to guide assessments for veteran teachers” (Darling-Hammond,


Amrein-Beardsley,


Haertel, & Rothstein, 2012). On the website (www.nbpts.org) the National Board gives very detailed information about each standard and what expectations exists for completion of the certification process.


Qualifications for Application


Once you know and understand the history and overall purpose of National Board, the next part of your journey is to see if National Board Certification is for you. Ask yourself these questions to find out if you qualify (a) do you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, (b) do you have a valid state teaching license, and (c) do you have at least three years of teaching experience? If


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your answer is yes to all three questions, CONRATULATIONS! You meet all the necessary requirements to apply to begin this incredible journey.


The Process


Just as we require our students to follow complete directions when turning in assignments, National Boards require the same of you. The first step in the process is to read, read and read some more. Every standard, component and fee is outlined upfront so that you completely understand the process and the expectations. A complete guide of expectations is available for you on the website (http://www.boardcertifiedteachers.org/). When you have read and understood the process, you will officially register. To register you attest that you meet all of the qualifications for application and pay an annual nonrefundable fee of $75.00. Some school systems in our state will pay this fee for you. Ask your administrator. You will also be asked to identify the area in which you will be seeking certification. Music offers two levels of certification; Early and Middle Childhood Education, ages 3-12, and Early Adolescence through Early Adulthood Education, ages 11- 18+. Each of these certification areas contain 4 components to be completed before you are considered to be a National Board Certified Teacher. One of the many revisions National Board made to make the process simpler for teachers is to allow teachers to complete and pay for one component at a time. Each component is $475.00 and is valid for exactly one calendar year, January to December. The total cost is $1,900. When I went through certification in 2010, there were two options, completing one component for scoring, completing the other three components, and then taking the assessment, or doing it all within a year’s time frame. The process has been condensed without watering down the content. Again, adherence to deadlines is a must. Once National Boards has received your application and fees it will begin processing your application. If everything checks out, you can begin the process which is one of self- reflective, student centered videos and portfolio writing.


For both levels of music certification there are four components.


Component 1: Content Knowledge Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment


Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner


Components


Component 1 is the assessment piece and requires the teacher to demonstrate that they understand how students learn and how to appropriately teach them. Utilizing a computer-based assessment, candidates are asked to answer questions about history and theory, curriculum and instructional strategies, content specific questions about band, orchestra, vocal or general music education and performing repertoire, techniques, connections to other disciplines and world music examples. There are approximately 45 selected response questions and you will have 30 mins to complete them. To take the assessment, you will need to schedule an appointment at a testing center. National Boards lists all those available in your area.


Component 2, 3 and 4 are all portfolio entries. In your instructions for these components you will be given strict instructions on how to construct your answers and page number limits you are to write within. In component 2 you will be asked to demonstrate a series of interrelated lessons, a unit or rehearsal and discuss what instructional strategies you utilized to ensure all students are learning. Accompanying the writing in this component will be two brief videos demonstrating what you write about.


Component 3 focuses on your planning and video proof of your intentions for lessons you chose to discuss. You will be asked to give an overview of the lessons and provide two 10-15 minute videos of your teaching practice. Supporting materials must accompany this component. The final section of this component is an analysis and reflection piece about your teaching.


In Component 4, you will select a group of students from the current school year, most likely an entire class, and develop a complete profile of that group of students. You will collect evidence from the students in the form of work completed and assessments and demonstrate how you link the assessment data to your practice. Also, you must show how you utilize the data gathered from assessment to design lessons to positively affect the students’ lives. To end this component, there is also a teacher reflection prompt for you to reflect on your practice of assessment and how you intend to strengthen your assessment


February/March 2017


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