NBCTs do it better!

Or at least according to a new study reported on by USA Today. According to this study, students in classes taught by National Board Certified teachers make bigger gains on standardized tests than students taught by other teachers.

Interesting. The question, though, is the process of getting certified according to national board standards what makes teachers better or are those who are certified already top performers? What changes are the national boards process making to the face of public education today?

The number of teachers is growing, but is still fairly sparse. According to the survey, a mere three teachers in five schools are national board certified. States that supply additional incentives for those certified--such as South Carolina and its northernly neighbor--have high numbers of teachers who go through the process. However, teachers who are going through the process are less likely to work with marginalized learners, those students who need someone with passion, drive, and expertise.

So, are national board teachers making great gains or are they in a point in their career where they get to work with the kids who would pass the test anyway? It is an interesting question. I know some NBCTs who aren't changing the face of education dramatically. But what they are doing is reflective practice. One thing that the process is good for is forcing teachers to become more reflective in their teaching. The journal entries and videoed lessons help teachers look closely at what is and what is not working in the classroom. Teachers learn to look back at themselves when something doesn't go quite right instead of always looking back at the students for the answer.

Should you run right out and get certified if you haven't already? Not necessarily. If you live in a state that gives incentives, then it sure does help with the rising gas prices. But you can be a reflective practitioner. Keep a journal. Reflect on the drive home. And for goodness sakes, stop looking outwards and start examining what you can do differently.