National Board Certification[R] is a nationwide program designed to identify, recognize and reward teachers and school counselors who meet the highest standards of their profession. To achieve certification, teachers must demonstrate thorough mastery of the subjects they teach, the methods of instruction to use, and the skill to apply that…

This study investigated whether there were differences in the leadership behaviors of 100 Mississippi teachers who had successfully completed the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification process and 100 Mississippi teachers who had not completed the NBPTS certification process. All participants were sent a copy of…

It is suggested that special educators follow the mode of other helping professions by developing national standards for professional certification. The proposal is justified, steps already taken to facilitate this process are outlined, and the positive impact of such a move is discussed. (MSE)

This paper analyzes research on accreditation, licensure, and certification standards that have impacted teacher education programs, providing a historical perspective of how and why standards came about in teacher education and examining each of the standards bodies in teacher education: the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education…

This study explored the feasibility of using the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) teacher assessment and certification process as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve professional culture and teaching quality in low-performing schools. Data from surveys of NBPTS California Support Network members were used to…

This study examined the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification process, investigating 65 white and African American teachers from North Carolina, Ohio, and the District of Columbia who had sought National Board certification in one of two areas--early adolescence/English language Arts and middle…

Presents guidelines regarding certification standards for early childhood education teachers. The paper describes six areas in which certified teachers must demonstrate knowledge, ability, values, and attitudes, according to the Association of Teacher Educators and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (SM)

Considers the role the "National Standards for Civics and Government" will play in measuring and assessing the civic competence and political attitudes of students. Finds that the Standards will also affect the textbooks used in schools, national testing in grades K-12, and the tests taken by students seeking teaching credentials. (CMK)

Shel Silverstein's children's book "The Giving Tree" imparts a useful metaphor for thinking about the role of teachers--women teachers in particular. The book's namesake is the epitome of altruism, providing branches, fruit, and even her trunk so that her beloved boy might have what he desires. And so it goes for women; endless giving,…

This study is an in-depth investigation of the NBPTS bias reduction training from the perspective of assessors. The research examined how successful the bias training was in guiding assessors to recognize their biases and to identify actions to be used to reduce the impact of bias. The study focused on portfolio video entries to allow for a…

Studies continue to surface a disheartening fact: while research shows that teachers are key to closing achievement gaps, poor and minority students as well as those in low-performing schools are far less likely to have access to the most experienced and qualified teachers. For instance, although National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) are…

Research indicates that teachers are the main influence on student achievement. However, standards and accountability related to teacher preparation, certification, and competencies are inconsistent. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has developed a more rigorous system of standards and procedures for teacher preparation.…

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards released its outline of what schoolteachers should know and be able to do to qualify for national certification. The guidelines specify that a teacher must make students and their education the top priority and that they must know the subjects they teach. (MLW)

Describes how standards established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for its Early Childhood/Generalist certification serve the purposes of accountability-driven education and can revitalize teaching and enrich teachers' work with each other. The paper examines one teacher's experiences weaving the standards through class…

Discusses national teacher certification in question-answer format, addressing issues such as why teachers become nationally certified; preparing the material for certification; the requirements for certification; assistance with fees; the rewards for embarking on certification; and recognition for becoming certified. (CMK)