NBCT Cohorts

Content Knowledge is a computer-based assessment that asks you to demonstrate knowledge of and pedagogical practices for teaching your content area. You must demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate content, which is necessary for teaching across the full age range and ability level of your chosen certificate area. This is assessed through the completion of three constructed response exercises and approximately 45 selected response items. This computer based assessment is taken between April and June at a Pearson testing center. You will have up to 30 minutes to complete each of the three constructed response exercises. The time allotted for the selected response section varies by certificate area, but will be no fewer 60 minutes.

Differentiation in Instruction requires that candidates gather and analyze information about individual students' strengths and needs and use that information to design and implement instruction to advance student learning and achievement. This classroom-based portfolio entry is primarily comprised of samples of student work and an accompanying written commentary. You will submit selected work samples that demonstrate the students’ growth over time and a written commentary that analyzes your instructional choices. Music Candidates will submit a video. We offer Facilitated Cohorts to support this component.

Teaching Practice and Learning Environment a classroom-based portfolio entry that requires video recordings of interactions between you and your students. Two written commentaries, in which you describe, analyze and reflect on your teaching and interactions will also be submitted. Both the videos and the written commentaries should demonstrate how you engage students and impact their learning. We offer Facilitated Cohorts to support this component.

Effective and Reflective Practitioner  provides you with the opportunity to highlight your abilities as an effective and reflective practitioner in developing and applying your knowledge of your students. You will gather information from a variety of sources about a group of students; use assessments to effectively plan for and positively impact your students’ learning; and provide evidence of your collaboration with families and caregivers, the community, and colleagues and of your contributions to learning communities to advance students’ learning and growth.