Hi Gabby and all,
It is certainly nice to see some action on the social studies board.
Altho I am an EA-SS/H  candidate, my portfolio directions were the same as
AYA so I can understand what you are going through.  I used 3 writing
samples from the unit I do on pre-history for portfolio entry one.  One
sample related to a novel, one to the discovery of the Iceman of the Alps
and one (cause/effect paragraph) to show  how the Stone Age came to an
end.  I was trying to make all the connections to everything the portfolio
directions asked for.  It was very challenging and I guess I'll find out
in November if I got it right!

First day of school for me.  Anyone else started yet?

By the way, in addition to teaching 3 sections of social studies, I am
also teaching a section of English this year.  I'm a little panicked.  I'm
having the kids do a persuasive paper on the election.  If anyone knows of
good web sites that present material about the issues Bush and Gore will
be discussing, please send the addresses.  I'm working with 7th graders.

Good Luck Gabby!
Judy

Hi!  I'm an AYA Science candidate waiting for Novemeber results.
Several SS teachers in my district have talked to me about NB in AYA
SS, but all seem very intimidated by what they've read about the
requirements.  I know some of you haven't certified yet, but what
would you say to them to help them decide?  I will keep your answers
in mind for the next time I'm asked.

If you have the time, it's worth it.  Just remember that this is only a year
long process.  I decided after 16 years in the classroom that I could do
about anything for a year.  Sandy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lou " <fleminlj@...>
To: <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2000 2:08 PM
Subject: [AYA-SSH] Difficulty


> Hi!  I'm an AYA Science candidate waiting for Novemeber results.
> Several SS teachers in my district have talked to me about NB in AYA
> SS, but all seem very intimidated by what they've read about the
> requirements.  I know some of you haven't certified yet, but what
> would you say to them to help them decide?  I will keep your answers
> in mind for the next time I'm asked.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Thanks for the reply, Sandy.  Any other opinions as to just how
difficult AYA SS is?

The project blew me away the first time I looked at the portfolio.  I
finally discovered something about a month into trying to just read it.
Read it twice.  Read it once completely and then read a second time using a
highlighter to mark just the areas you will actually use.  Believe it or
not, that cut down on what I actually used by about a third.  Sandy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Lou " <fleminlj@...>
To: <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 1:42 PM
Subject: [AYA-SSH] Difficulty again


> Thanks for the reply, Sandy.  Any other opinions as to just how
> difficult AYA SS is?
>
>
>
>
>
>

Thanks again, Sandy.  It is good to hear that someone found it
possible.  I've heard a lot about how hard it is.

It is a very time consuming process.  It is like having a part time job in
addition to your regular teaching duties.  I believe the key in making the
decision to do NBC or not rests with how your style of teaching matches NBC
requirements and whether or not your flexible enough to adapt to NBC
requirements.

>From: "Lou " <fleminlj@...>
>Reply-To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com
>To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com
>Subject: [AYA-SSH] Difficulty
>Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 21:08:51 -0000
>
>Hi!  I'm an AYA Science candidate waiting for Novemeber results.
>Several SS teachers in my district have talked to me about NB in AYA
>SS, but all seem very intimidated by what they've read about the
>requirements.  I know some of you haven't certified yet, but what
>would you say to them to help them decide?  I will keep your answers
>in mind for the next time I'm asked.
>
>
>

________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com

Thanks, Hugh.  It seems to me that most of the SS teachers I have
talked to are afraid of the AC because they trained mostly in one
area
of SS and have taught in mostly one area.  They are afraid the volume
of the material to be studied is overwhelming.  Is it?

It is intimidating to have to cover so many areas on the assessment center
tests.  But, the breadth of knowledge assessment exercise is only ONE OF THE
FOUR taken at the AC.  The student materials response question at the AC
could also cover other
areas of SSH.
  The breadth of knowledge question was somewhat like trivial pursuit.  The
questions required much knowledge in US History, Political Science,
Economics, Geography and World History.  I prepared by reading and taking
notes from survey level texts from each area.
Breadth of knowledge is important, but I do not believe it is a significant
enough portion of the overall assessment to intimidate a possible candidate.

-----Original Message-----
From: AYA-SSH@egroups.com <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
Date: Saturday, August 26, 2000 3:59 AM
Subject: [AYA-SSH] Digest Number 33


>
>There are 2 messages in this issue.
>
>Topics in this digest:
>
>      1. Re: Difficulty
>           From: "Hugh Martin" <m_hugh@...>
>      2. Studying for the AC
>           From: "Lou " <fleminlj@...>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 1
>   Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 16:56:57 GMT
>   From: "Hugh Martin" <m_hugh@...>
>Subject: Re: Difficulty
>
>
>It is a very time consuming process.  It is like having a part time job in
>addition to your regular teaching duties.  I believe the key in making the
>decision to do NBC or not rests with how your style of teaching matches NBC
>requirements and whether or not your flexible enough to adapt to NBC
>requirements.
>
>>From: "Lou " <fleminlj@...>
>>Reply-To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com
>>To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com
>>Subject: [AYA-SSH] Difficulty
>>Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 21:08:51 -0000
>>
>>Hi!  I'm an AYA Science candidate waiting for Novemeber results.
>>Several SS teachers in my district have talked to me about NB in AYA
>>SS, but all seem very intimidated by what they've read about the
>>requirements.  I know some of you haven't certified yet, but what
>>would you say to them to help them decide?  I will keep your answers
>>in mind for the next time I'm asked.
>>
>>
>>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 2
>   Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2000 02:55:38 -0000
>   From: "Lou " <fleminlj@...>
>Subject: Studying for the AC
>
>Thanks, Hugh.  It seems to me that most of the SS teachers I have
>talked to are afraid of the AC because they trained mostly in one
>area
>of SS and have taught in mostly one area.  They are afraid the volume
>of the material to be studied is overwhelming.  Is it?
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
>

Lou,
     I'm also waiting for scores in November and did the EA SS/History.  I
would be frank with anyone.  It was intense but I feel I'm a better teacher
for it.

Good luck on your scores.
Carolyn

Lou wrote:

> Hi!  I'm an AYA Science candidate waiting for Novemeber results.
> Several SS teachers in my district have talked to me about NB in AYA
> SS, but all seem very intimidated by what they've read about the
> requirements.  I know some of you haven't certified yet, but what
> would you say to them to help them decide?  I will keep your answers
> in mind for the next time I'm asked.
>

Thanks again for the replies.  In case you folks talk to possible
science candidates, Hugh and Carolyn really said nearly what I'd say
about the AYA Sci as they commented on the assessment center
exercises
and the process.  We, too, have two questions in a field of science
we
choose, one that is in our field but connects to others, and one that
tests each of the other fields and amounts to trival pursuit.  No one
could have told me that I'd feel right now that I benefited from
doing
this whether I certify or bank in Nov., but I have and I feel I am a
much better teacher for it.  That is saying someone for someone who's
taught and worked hard at improving every year for over 20 years!

Louisa J. Fleming

Hi Carolyn,
It was nice to see a message from another EA SS/H.  I was wondering if
there was a site for us or if it is OK for us to share in these
conversations on AYA SS/H.  I am very relieved not to be working on the
portfolio this year.   It was grueling, but as with so many others, I too
feel I am a better teacher for the experience.  I was very concerned about
the Assessment Center and think candidates need to realize that for EA
SS/H anyway, a great deal of information is sent  from National Boards to
direct us in how to prepare.  Even so, some of the questions took
surprising turns and twists.

As I went through the process last year I was anxious to talk to other
social studies teachers who had completed the process and could read my
entries.  I found them at the NBPTS web page and they were very
supportive.  No social studies teachers in my state have tried this and so
e-mail was my only source of help and it did HELP.

Judy Flassing

I just read your message- I used imperialism to tie them  all together - writing
an op-ed on Gandhi; a poem on Africa; a DBQ on imperialism.  Good luck, Lorraine
Lupinskie

I second Sandy's suggestion and would add to read and re-read and highlight the
rubrics- Several times I came up with what I though were great ideas only to
realize that they wouldn't work or fully meet the criteria -  it really is worth
it to re-read.
Lorraine Lupinskie

Lou-
The depth of knowledge they test you on can be stressful when you know only one
or two areas well- I look at it two ways- one, I can bank and take those parts
again (and study, despite the fact that most will say you CAN"T really study for
the AC); two, there are ten parts of the whole process and hopefully if you can
excel at some and do well in others, than one or two parts shouldn't matter too
much.  Overall, I would do it all agian; it's worth it.
Lorraine

Hi Judy,
     I started a EA-SS/History but didn't get a reply.  So I just use this one.
I received help from our state regional center where people of all areas met
once a month.  We also had a teacher academy (state and grant supported center
for one week) for the NBPTS candidates. There were mentors who were certified
last year in our particular area.  That helped alot.  We also received help
from certified people in the educators association in our state.  North
Carolina pays the $2000 if we pass and teach here two years.  We also get a
healthy pay raise.  Not bad!  I wonder why everyone isn't doing it.
     It's great to hear from a fellow candidate who is waiting on pins and
needles until November.
     Good Luck!!

Carolyn


Judy_Flassing@... wrote:

> Hi Carolyn,
> It was nice to see a message from another EA SS/H.  I was wondering if
> there was a site for us or if it is OK for us to share in these
> conversations on AYA SS/H.  I am very relieved not to be working on the
> portfolio this year.   It was grueling, but as with so many others, I too
> feel I am a better teacher for the experience.  I was very concerned about
> the Assessment Center and think candidates need to realize that for EA
> SS/H anyway, a great deal of information is sent  from National Boards to
> direct us in how to prepare.  Even so, some of the questions took
> surprising turns and twists.
>
> As I went through the process last year I was anxious to talk to other
> social studies teachers who had completed the process and could read my
> entries.  I found them at the NBPTS web page and they were very
> supportive.  No social studies teachers in my state have tried this and so
> e-mail was my only source of help and it did HELP.
>
> Judy Flassing
>

I'm a new candidate for AYA-SSH and I'm looking for support and
advice.  I have "the box" and have formulated a plan for entry one,
"teaching reasoning through writing."  Does anyone have advice about
this entry or the entire process in general.  Thanks, Lauri

HI-
I completed my box last April and took my assessments in June; I am waiting on
my results . . . I am a bit crazed right now- I am teaching a new AP World
History course, but as soon as things settle down I would love to help you out
-- if you don't mind that I may have failed! oops, we don't use that word, I
might not have certified.  If I recall the first entry it was reasoning through
writing.  The best advice I received, in the beginning, was to read and re-read
the instructions the standards and the rubrics.  When I finished with an entry,
I would photocopy the rubric and outline the main points from the standards and
pass them along to any colleagues willing to offer a critique.  This really
helped me because it forced me to keep checking the standards.  Good luck.  Keep
in touch.

Lorraine Lupinskie
Long Island, NY

Hello everyone!  I am going through the certification process.  I
hope that I can do this and remain sane!  I have seen a couple of
people's entries and I must confess, I am not used to knowing this
much information about all of my students.  I get the basic
information about test scores and how many times a student has
repeated a grade but that is about it.  Do your districts give such
detailed information about each of your students?  Right now I have
125 students on my team.  Alice

Lou, Thanks for letting me know about this site.  I hope to hear from
all of you soon.  Alice

Alice, you're welcome.  For Alice, and all of you newbies, ask your
questions!  You may see this site and others lie dormant for days or
weeks if all you do is check in daily.  There are a lot of members
who
will be there for your with help and support, but you must reach out
for it!

The info I found useful was not contained in a cumulative folder, but was
gathered as I taught the students.  I focused on what the students'
strengths/weaknesses were in processing historical understandings along with
the students' personality traits that impacted their classroom
performance/behavior.
Hugh


>From: aewillis@...
>Reply-To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com
>To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com
>Subject: [AYA-SSH] new member
>Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2000 01:02:02 -0000
>
>Hello everyone!  I am going through the certification process.  I
>hope that I can do this and remain sane!  I have seen a couple of
>people's entries and I must confess, I am not used to knowing this
>much information about all of my students.  I get the basic
>information about test scores and how many times a student has
>repeated a grade but that is about it.  Do your districts give such
>detailed information about each of your students?  Right now I have
>125 students on my team.  Alice
>

_________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at
http://profiles.msn.com.

Alice-
You can find a lot of information about your students if you look through thier
permanent files; where I am they are kept in the guidance office.  These files
are not confidential, so access to them should be easy.  I also spoke with
guidance councelors to get additional background.  Good luck.
Lorraine

aewillis@... wrote:
>
> Hello everyone!  I am going through the certification process.  I
> hope that I can do this and remain sane!  I have seen a couple of
> people's entries and I must confess, I am not used to knowing this
> much information about all of my students.  I get the basic
> information about test scores and how many times a student has
> repeated a grade but that is about it.  Do your districts give such
> detailed information about each of your students?  Right now I have
> 125 students on my team.  Alice
You only have to collect the information on the classes you feature.
Yes you can do it but I'm not sure about the sanity.  I did certify but
I may have also become certifiable.  Just kidding.  Relax and enjoy the
journey into National Boards.

Geneva

Thanks to everyone who has offered advice. I basically have the next
18 weeks to get student materials for my entries.  I have 9 weeks
left with my current group and 9 weeks after Winter Holiday with a
new group and make the deadlines. My district has shortened Social
Studies to a semester so I do not have an entire year with the same
students.  I am not sure how much growth can be charted but I will to
get some. To use a gardening analogy, I feel like I am trying to
force bulbs to bloom in the winter! I am going to start video taping
next week. I am starting a new unit on the Greeks so that should give
me plenty of good activities that will hopefully stimulate their
minds.
I hope all of you are having a good year.  Alice

Hello! I am just getting started - have begun gathering data and have
made a small group video for Entry 4 that looks like a go --
I have a question about the  AC exercises.  Are the prompts that are
sent ahead of time the same as the prompts we are actually dealing
with in the Assessment Center?

Also - for entries 5 and 6, as for impact on student learning, I
don't have statistics to prove that scores went up or whatever. Any
ideas on how to deal with these entries?
Thanks!
Leigh in Alabama

----- Original Message -----
From: <lmartin@...>
To: <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:38 AM
Subject: [AYA-SSH] Assessment Center


> Hello! I am just getting started - have begun gathering data and have
> made a small group video for Entry 4 that looks like a go --
> I have a question about the  AC exercises.  Are the prompts that are
> sent ahead of time the same as the prompts we are actually dealing
> with in the Assessment Center?
>
> Also - for entries 5 and 6, as for impact on student learning, I
> don't have statistics to prove that scores went up or whatever. Any
> ideas on how to deal with these entries?
> Thanks!
> Leigh in Alabama
>
>
>
>

I am waiting for my scores to take what I have say "with a grain of salt".
Last year the assessment center material was from the previous year(s) .
They are samples for the types of questions.  The subject matter will be
very different.
Entries five and six do not have to have measured results.  Did your actions
improve or contribute to learning?  If so, what was improved?
-----Original Message-----
From: AYA-SSH@egroups.com <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
To: AYA-SSH@egroups.com <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, November 08, 2000 5:36 AM
Subject: [AYA-SSH] Digest Number 44


>
>There are 2 messages in this issue.
>
>Topics in this digest:
>
>      1. Assessment Center
>           From: lmartin@...
>      2. Fw: Assessment Center
>           From: "Leigh Martin" <lmartin@...>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 1
>   Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 16:38:59 -0000
>   From: lmartin@...
>Subject: Assessment Center
>
>Hello! I am just getting started - have begun gathering data and have
>made a small group video for Entry 4 that looks like a go --
>I have a question about the  AC exercises.  Are the prompts that are
>sent ahead of time the same as the prompts we are actually dealing
>with in the Assessment Center?
>
>Also - for entries 5 and 6, as for impact on student learning, I
>don't have statistics to prove that scores went up or whatever. Any
>ideas on how to deal with these entries?
>Thanks!
>Leigh in Alabama
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 2
>   Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 10:48:02 -0600
>   From: "Leigh Martin" <lmartin@...>
>Subject: Fw: Assessment Center
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <lmartin@...>
>To: <AYA-SSH@egroups.com>
>Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:38 AM
>Subject: [AYA-SSH] Assessment Center
>
>
>> Hello! I am just getting started - have begun gathering data and have
>> made a small group video for Entry 4 that looks like a go --
>> I have a question about the  AC exercises.  Are the prompts that are
>> sent ahead of time the same as the prompts we are actually dealing
>> with in the Assessment Center?
>>
>> Also - for entries 5 and 6, as for impact on student learning, I
>> don't have statistics to prove that scores went up or whatever. Any
>> ideas on how to deal with these entries?
>> Thanks!
>> Leigh in Alabama
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>
>
>

This is probably going to sound like a really dumb question, but where
exactly are the scoring rubrics located?  I think they are the
italicized sentences that tell a person what to include in his or her
written commentary.  Thanks, Lauri

The scoring rubrics are in the booklet called "scoring guide."  The level 4
rubric should match up to the "How will this entry be scored?" portion in
your entries.
Leslie Coleman, NBCT, AYA/SS-H
Director, SW MS World Class Teaching Initiative