NANCY FLANAGAN, NBCT JANICE PARDY, NBCT National Board Certification: Preparing for the Assessment Center

Why do we have to take these tests? Teacher content expertise is embedded in the Five Core Propositions. The National Board Certification process samples teacher knowledge across six aspects of the content referenced in the certificate standards around content. Being an “accomplished” teacher implies mastery of relevant disciplinary content.

When should I take the Assessment Center Exercises? When it is convenient—but choose and confirm a date as soon as possible after all your fees are paid. This helps set a target for your preparation. There is no advantage in waiting until your portfolio is completed. Some teachers prefer completing the AC exercises well before the portfolio is due, finding the content review helpful as they create lessons for their portfolio.

Do I have to study? National Board standards support staying current in disciplinary knowledge, so professional reading for the Assessment Center tests fits with this idea of continuous growth in your practice. It is likely that content review will be helpful for some of your Assessment Center exercises.

So What Should I Study? Web resources, including content discipline associations’ websites and “recognized expert websites” (i.e. IRA, Four Blocks, Wee Write, etc. etc.) Professional development books and journals. Resources recommended by colleagues—often these are “tried and true.” We will maintain a list of best literacy resources on our Mi-CAT Weebly page.

What kinds of questions do they ask? Assessment Center exercises focus on themes, ideas and principles that represent core concepts in a discipline. “Content” often is inextricably linked to pedagogies—the knowledge of how to identify strengths and weaknesses, prescribe interventions, and teach concepts is the content. Assessment Center prompts do not test recall of trivia or obscure content.

Who will help me prepare? Preparing for the Assessment Center can be done effectively in groups. Candidates can turn to other teachers (not necessarily NBCTs) to help them think about likely questions, using the exercise descriptions. Candidates sign a confidentiality agreement upon taking the AC exercises. Protecting the integrity of the NB process is a responsibility for all candidates as well as NBCTs. Please do not divulge information about your actual Assessment Center prompts.

How can I write an answer in only 30 minutes? Practice, using the tutorial found on the NBPTS website. Use bullets and phrases. Remember that long answers are not always good answers. Scorers look only for relevant information; writing as much as possible does not improve your score. The exercises are designed to be do-able in 30 minutes.

How can I write a good answer in 30 minutes? Don’t develop a “stopwatch mentality.” You will be made aware of time remaining, but 30 minutes is enough time to write a complete answer. You may ask for blank paper and a pencil. One strategy is to read through all parts of the question, jotting down key points as you think of them. THEN—start to type. You will be able to add additional details and thoughts as you type your complete answer.

What is the Assessment Center like? The Assessment Center exercises are delivered at Pearson Testing Centers. Some center locations in MI include Southfield, Troy, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Marquette and Lansing, as well as Maumee, Ohio. It’s a good idea to know precisely where your testing center is ahead of time; plan extra time for your drive and parking. There will be a short tutorial on how to use the program—be sure to read through it, as it may be a little different from your familiar word-processing program. You will take 3 of the exercises, then get a short break. Be sure to take the break, if only to stretch and drink some water.

What should I bring to the Assessment Center? Read all instructions carefully. The appropriate ID with your photo bearing your signature. Your Authorization to Test. If you bring any items (coat, water bottle, writing tools) the testing center will hold them outside the testing room. Dress in layers. Sometimes, it’s warm or chilly in the center. Ask about scratch paper and a pencil when you arrive.

What do other candidates say about the Assessment Center? It helps to prepare, especially in areas where you feel you may need shoring up. Remember: each exercise is worth only 6.67% of your score. One weak AC exercise score is not fatal. If you encounter something difficult, don’t let it derail you. Preparing for the Assessment Center can actually be a great content review, and lead to a sense of better preparation for teaching, as well as new ideas for instruction.