National Boards

So Saturday was score release day for National Boards. Some of you may - or may not - know that there is a NEW process for National Boards and it's being rolled out gradually over the course of a few years. New process means: No trailblazers, no history and no mentors or support group. ON.MY.OWN. It also means this new process - the new expectations - are like the old process on steroids! Last year I completed Component 3. I planned and taught and gathered and collected and grouped and reflected and wrote and wrote and video'd and edited and... struggled to hit "submit" on the very first day of the submission window last May. Confident in those owl pellet lessons and the unit on building a business community - and confident I had done my very best. Since then, the component - my teaching - has been assessed and reviewed with a fine tooth comb by multiple assessors.     And, since then, I just tried to put the component out of my mind and plan for the LAST component - Component 4 this year (working on it right now, in fact). Wow! It's been 7 months since I hit that "submit" button! SEVEN! Score release day was Saturday but I started checking at 9pm Pacific Time on Friday. BOOM! 4.0! Toot, toot! That was my own horn. #bringitcomponent4 #almostNBCT In May I'll submit Component 4 and by this time next year I will learn that I achieved National Board  Certification!

Test Piloting Component 4

#ItNeverEnds

National Board Certification

So, many of you probably already know that the National Board Certification process has undergone a transformation and the new components have been rolling out slowly - about one per year. I started the process, finishing Components 1 and 2 last year and working on Component 3 this year.  During the process last year I learned the importance of planning ahead - impeccable planning - to avoid the stress of getting even close to the due date.    Yesterday, the NBCT opened up the submission window (til 5/18) to get this year's submissions in. Guess who submitted Component 3 yesterday?  This girl!

I only need to wait 8 months to get my results! Tick, tock...

National Boards

So today was score release day for National Boards. Some of you may or may not know that there is a new process for National Boards and it's being rolled out gradually over the course of a few years. New process means no trailblazers, no history, and in my small charter, no NBCT teachers, district support group or mentors. 

Last year I took Components 1 and 2. 

I planned and taught and gathered and collected and regrouped and reflected and... struggled with the "submit" button - never really feeling done - but knowing I'd done my best.

Since then I just tried to put those components out of my mind and plan for Component 3 this year. Score release day snuck up on me, with the holidays, closing out 2015 in my classroom, and just L.I.F.E. 

This morning I got up at 5:45 and went to see the 6:30 showing of Star Wars (OMG, BTW) - picked up kale for Willie and treats for the dogs at Trader Joes, had some pancakes at IHOP... and then, on the way home, remembered - score release! I went straight to the computer, logged on and found my scores.

Toot, toot!

That was my own horn.

#bringitcomponent3

#almostNBCT

What!? We Have Tests Today!? YIPPEE!!!

It's all in the mindset. 

I start the year early trying to make tests sound like a fun thing - almost a treat! Hey - kids buy in quick because they are anxious to show me what they know and excitement is contagious! We set the temperature in the class, yes?

I don't think other teachers believe how happy my students get about testing - but they do. Gotta love 7 year olds! And you gotta love appropriate tests that really assess what was taught. Oh, that's another topic for another day...

Ahem.

This fall I'm psyching myself up the same way!
Hello, National Boards!

After finishing Components 1 and 2 of the NEW and improved National Boards process, I'm working on Component 3 this year! Yay, yay!!

Are you interested in upping your game?  Becoming a more self-reflective teacher? Learning more about yourself and your practice? The National Board process has changed - A LOT! But - you can dip your toes in and be part of their field test.

Want more information on field testing? CLICK HERE!

National Boards

This process has really been a killer - but also super-fantastic. 

It's like taking a magnifying glass to my practice. 

I love writing but this writing is technical and analytical - forcing me to really break down what I notice about my students' learning, how I develop plans to meet their pinpointed individual needs, analyzing the results and then planning my next steps.

#CLICK

Component 1 of National Boards...

in lovely 

(though NOT conveniently located)...

#bringit

How Does Mrs. Dixon Spend Her Weekend?

This pretty much sums it up until May 21st. 

#reflectionreflectionthenmorereflection #nationalboards #component2

We Have Tests Today! YAYYYYYYY!!!!!

It's all in the mindset. 
I start the year early trying to make tests sound like a fun thing - almost a treat! Kids buy in quick because they are anxious to show me what they know and excitement is contagious! We set the temperature in the class, yes? 
I don't think other teachers believe how happy my kids get about testing - but they do. Gotta love 7 year olds!
This morning I'm trying to psych myself up the same way!
Hello test!
I'm field testing the new National Board Certification process while I start my certification for real. I figure it helps the Board see what works and what doesn't and it gives me an idea of what to expect when I take the test soon - the 'real' one - the big enchilada, this is the big game, the one that counts, test.
Yay, tests!
Saturday morning tests! Yay yay!!

Amoena bra, product number 2160Do you want to field test? For more info CLICK HERE! Want more information on field testing? CLICK HERE!

Amoena bra, product number 2160

Embarking on a Long Journey...

 

Here I go...