Friday, May 31, 2013

Time to Celebrate!!

As you all know, today is last day to submit your ePortfolio to National Board.  I know how difficult this process can be - hours in front of the computer typing entries, extended periods of time analyzing student work and planning lessons, checking and rechecking everything, and stressing over e-submission.  Regardless of what happens, you should be proud that you decided to undertake this process.  I'm sure your practice has changed and that your students have benefited from this effort.  So ... go celebrate!  Do something for yourself or with your family this weekend.  You deserve it! 
Here is some information straight from NB regarding ePortfolio.  They have added to new FAQ questions to their website based on the questions they are receiving through Customer Service. 

1) Q: Several minutes have passed since I uploaded my files yet the file status still shows as “Processing”, or I’m unable to preview my files. Should I start over?
A: You shouldn’t need to restart the upload process, instead check the following things:
  • What internet browser are you using? If you are using a PC, make sure you use Internet Explorer. If you have a Mac, depend on Safari as your browser of choice. Google Chrome and FireFox, while excellent browsers, are not compatible with the ePortfolio system.
  • Do you have current versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player installed? If your set-up does not include this software, you may not be able to preview your files.
  • Have you clicked “Refresh”? If the file status continues to show “processing” after several minutes, click the blue “Refresh” button found in the upper left-hand corner of the ePortfolio system.
2) Q: I’ve uploaded my files, but the status on my portfolio entry summary page still shows “In Progress”, what should I do?
A: Your status will remain in progress until you mark each file as “Ready to Submit”. From your summary page, click on “Update” and then click the “Ready to Submit” check box at the top right corner. The status on your summary page will now reflect “Ready to Submit”. If after clicking this check box you discover your file needs to be changed, simply uncheck the box and you’ll be able to replace it
The full list of FAQs can be found on our website at http://www.nbpts.org/faq.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

E-portfolio challenge

I am working with an EA - SS candidate who is experiencing some issues with the pdf copies of the cover sheets.  She is aware that she does not need to submit the entry 1-4 cover sheets, but must submit the assignment prompt cover sheets for entry one.  When I played with it, I was able to type on the form and save the whole document but cannot isolate the individual pages.  NBPTS has suggested that she print the page, scan it back in, and then save it for submission.  Has anyone found an easier way to do this?  

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

For Renewal Candidates

Here is another comment from Meike McDonald.

FYI from my renewal candidate:
 
It took about 15 minutes to upload a 212MB video file to the website. Each of the things a renewal candidate can upload can be no more than 500MB. 
 
Meike McDonald, M.Ed.
NBCT, AYA Math 2009

Monday, April 15, 2013

E-Portfolio

We are all charting our way through new territory, namely e-portfolio submission!  I know candidates have mixed feelings about this process.  Some are excited, especially about the extended deadline (May 31, 2013) while others are very nervous about this process.  National Board is committed to helping you.  Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-22-TEACH with questions, concerns, or issues. 

CERRA is also committed to trying to help.  Unfortunately, we are having to learn the process as we go.  Some NB liaisons have started to share their experiences helping candidates submit their work.  I will share this information as I receive it. 

This first set of comments and reminders comes from Meike McDonald, NB Liaison in Charleston.  Thanks Meike!

Have you tried uploading videos or entries yet???????? It takes about 45 minutes to upload a video and when you do upload something it takes about a day for it to be registered and downloaded to the NB site.

For now, you can upload whatever you want and still not submit it...you must click a huge green button to submit.  For now, you are simply storing the information on the NB server.  You can take it down, change it, reload it etc.

There are codes and various things you must use.

One person suggested using a MAC to merge the pdf files since it was so much easier than a PC.

Entry 4 will take the longest and may be the hardest to upload.  While everything is being uploaded, you can't click on anything until it is saved on the NB server (so upload and give it some time to transfer).

Good luck!
 
Meike McDonald, M.Ed.
NBCT, AYA Math 2009

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

New Support Sessions

We have added some additional support sessions to our calendar (see below).


National Board Awareness and Support Sessions:
National Board Support:  E-portfolio Submission - National Board has provided information about the e-portfolio submission process. This webinar will review the process by highlighting the key steps and important information provided in the Guide to Electronic Submission. This webinar will also serve as a forum to ask questions about electronic submission. CERRA will follow-up with National Board following the webinar regarding any unanswered questions.
DateTimeRegistration Link
March 25, 20134:00 – 5:00
April 10, 2013  4:00 – 5:00
April 16, 2013 4:00 – 5:00
National Board Support:  Preparing for the Assessment Center - It is possible to prepare for the assessment center! This webinar will review the assessment center process and will provide hints and suggestions to help candidates prepare for this phase of the National Board process. 
DateTimeRegistration Link
April 15, 2013     4:00 – 5:00 
April 29, 2013 4:00 – 5:00   

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Email from NB about Assessment Center


This email came directly from NBPTS.

The 2012-2013 National Board assessment center testing window is now open. We will mail your Authorization to Test letter (ATT) in approximately 7- 10 days; however, you don't need your ATT to schedule your appointment or gain admittance to the assessment center. Schedule your appointment now by following the steps below.
Step 1: Verify your personal information
Visit My Profile<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jOifjFFy18hGGRGoZY2tXJiUyY6xPffpXjGgpZFJ0lMR_1NXzZw-nbG4mne25QCxOxC_NYQ3iLUWPT2MRehTCPesvWj0uHraM6lgnq9URMfLyna6NapKqQ==> to verify:

* The first and last name on your account matches the first and last name on the government issued photo ID you plan to take with you to the assessment center
* Your certificate area and specialty area (if applicable) are correct

If any of this information is incorrect, contact Customer Support at 1-800-22TEACH for instructions on updating your record before scheduling an appointment.

Step 2: Schedule your appointment



Important update! The assessment center window will now be open through June 30, 2013. Before scheduling your appointment, review the Assessment Center Policy and Guidelines<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jOifjFFy18hGGRGoZY2tXJiUyY6xPffpXjGgpZFJ0lMR_1NXzZw-nW7-nCKialpYveSNM9ltau5_IZEHv-QZtw77da3-GGfPrEQ92n2K-VfxRqtL7XYH-Bq8eaD7uJhpGZyz9jiGTj6VKzgUqSOP6Q==> in its entirety. When you're ready to schedule, you can either:

* Go to the Pearson VUE<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jOifjFFy18hGGRGoZY2tXJiUyY6xPffpXjGgpZFJ0lMR_1NXzZw-nW7-nCKialpYveSNM9ltau7i_2vUuBnRnzECiy1jIYmQnt7ZfIcRY3VjqHYQdLjHhQ==> website and click on "Schedule a Test" or,
* Call the Pearson VUE Call Center at 888-288-3028

Step 3: Prepare for your appointment


Visit our website<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jOifjFFy18hGGRGoZY2tXJiUyY6xPffpXjGgpZFJ0lMR_1NXzZw-nW7-nCKialpYveSNM9ltau5_IZEHv-QZtw77da3-GGfPrEQ92n2K-VfxRqtL7XYH-Bq8eaD7uJhpGZyz9jiGTj6VKzgUqSOP6Q==> to:

* View a Pearson VUE assessment center tutorial
* Review the Assessment at a Glance for descriptions of each assessment center exercise and to view retired prompts for your certificate area

World Language candidates: You must schedule your appointment by calling 888-288-3028.



Candidates requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act: You must submit your request using the Request for Testing Accommodations Form located on our website<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001jOifjFFy18hGGRGoZY2tXJiUyY6xPffpXjGgpZFJ0lMR_1NXzZw-nW7-nCKialpYveSNM9ltau5_IZEHv-QZtw77da3-GGfPrEQ92n2K-VfxRqtL7XYH-Bq8eaD7uJhpGZyz9jiGTj6VKzgUqSOP6Q==>. All requests for accommodations must be submitted and approved before scheduling an appointment.

If you have any questions, please call 1-800-22TEACH between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., CST, Monday through Friday, to speak with a member of our Customer Support team.

Warm Regards,

National Board Customer Support