|
Education Leaders to Discuss Bolstering Teacher Effectiveness, Closing Student Achievement Gaps
SeaTac, Wash. — October 16, 2009 - At a time when teacher accountability and closing achievement gaps are among the nation’s most critical issues, Washington state’s top teachers will join forces with education leaders to discuss the state’s recent overhaul of its education financing system.
More than 100 of the state’s National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) and
100 state legislators, policymakers and other education stakeholders will meet
for the “NBCT Policy Symposium” Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Cedarbrook Conference
Center, in SeaTac, Wash.
The forum will be hosted by the Office of Superintendent of Public
Instruction, the Washington Education Association (WEA), the Center for
Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP) and the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Technology tools have been provided by
Smart Technologies.
“National Board Certification is one solution to the challenges facing our
schools,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Our state is committed to growing the
number of National Board Certified Teachers in schools where they are needed the
most.
“We know that leveraging human capital is a key factor in improving teacher
effectiveness, student learning and school culture. I am so pleased that the
voices of these accomplished educators will be heard at this important education
policy meeting.”
The daylong symposium will offer NBCTs the opportunity to provide expertise
in determining how best to implement the instructional components and funding
envisioned by the state’s new education reform legislation. Engrossed Substitute
House Bill 2261, which passed during the 2009 legislative session, establishes a
new definition of basic education and a timeline for implementation.
“National Board Certified Teachers are leaders in their schools,” said Randy
Dorn, state superintendent of public instruction. “The process they go through
to become Board-certified involves self-reflection, both personally and
professionally. That valuable experience makes them well qualified to help us as
we move forward with a new funding system and an essential voice as we continue
down the education reform path.”
Washington is home to more than 2,700 NBCTs, who work every day to provide
excellent teaching to all students, to lead within their schools, and to mentor
new and struggling teachers. In Washington, a teacher who achieves National
Board Certification earns a state-awarded annual bonus of $5,000 and an
additional $5,000 if he or she teaches in a high-need school.
“The educators at this forum are among those at the forefront of education
reform efforts,” said Mary Lindquist, WEA president. “The feedback generated by
the National Board Certified Teachers is a valuable part of our effort to
provide a quality education for every child in the state of Washington.”
“This symposium is dedicated to generate concrete, workable solutions that
will foster high-quality teaching and learning for all students” said Jeanne
Harmon, executive director, CSTP. “National Board Certified Teachers throughout
our state are making a positive impact inside the classroom and out. They have
excellent ideas on improving our schools and will serve as a valuable resource
at this meeting.”
“By coming together at this symposium, National Board Certified Teachers,
along with our critical partners, are creating new opportunities for positive
learning environments in schools and school districts throughout the state of
Washington,” said Gov. Bob Wise, chair of the NBPTS Board of Directors and
former governor of West Virginia. “As a former governor, I have seen first-hand
that these outstanding teachers provide a valuable resource when it comes to
teacher quality, student learning and school reform.”
In a congressionally-mandated report, the National Research Council (NRC) of
the National Academies confirmed that NBCTs advance student achievement and
learning, stay in the classroom longer, support new and struggling teachers and
assume other school-based leadership roles. The NRC acknowledged that students
taught by NBCTs make higher gains on achievement tests than students taught by
non-board-certified teachers.
National Board Certification is recognized as a model of pay-for-performance
and is supported by teachers and administrators nationwide. Many states and
local school districts provide salary incentives and cover the cost for teachers
who pursue and achieve this advanced teaching credential.
A voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognize and retain
accomplished teachers, National Board Certification is achieved through a
performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to
complete. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each
state, NBCTs have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills
and practices.
|