19-20 National Board Candidate Update

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 04/16/2020 03:57 PM PDT

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Changes to the 2019-2020 National Board Assessment Cycle

Dear Washington State National Board Candidates,

In response to the pandemic our nation is currently facing and the challenge this create for many educators, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has developed a comprehensive plan to address the needs of candidates impacted by school closures. Candidates should be receiving emails on a weekly basis from NBPTS with updates on exceptions and allowances for the 2020 submission cycle. You can stay up-to-date by following the resources and information offered by NBPTS on their website here: https://www.nbpts.org/covid-19/.

In addition, OSPI has produced a Frequently Asked Questions page regarding the available exceptions and additional information for Washington State candidates and NBCTs. Please review the guidance provided from NBPTS prior to looking at this FAQ page.

Below is a brief summary of the options available to National Board candidates:

Extension of the submission window for Components 2, 3, and 4 out until June 12 and extension of the submission window for Component 1 out until July 15.
Option to submit Components 2, 3, and 4 in the fall, no later than October 16. Please note that score release for submission in the fall will occur later than the normal December timeline.
Switch your registered Component(s) to a different Component(s).
Defer your candidacy or Components to the 2021 cycle. Candidates will be provided a fee waiver that will apply to any Components you had registered for in 2020 that are deferred to 2021, as well as the $75 registration fee. Candidates will receive a one-year extension on the three-year window to complete all four components, as well as the five-year window to achieve certification.
Withdraw your candidacy and receive a refund for all registered Components (does not include the $75 registration fee).

It is important to note that you must decide on any changes to your submission timeline and complete NBPTS’s Exception Form no later than April 30.

One-year Extension on Washington State Teaching, ESA, CTE, and Administrator Certificates

In response to Governor Inslee’s announcement of school closures, the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) has filed emergency rules, extending the validity period on Washington state certificates expiring June 30, 2020 for one additional year. These certificates will now expire June 30, 2021. This policy change is effective immediately.

This one-year extension of expiration dates applies to residency, professional, initial, and continuing certificates for all roles, including teacher, administrator, career and technical education (CTE), and all educational staff associate (ESA) roles. Individuals with certificates expiring June 30, 2020, who have already applied for certificate renewal, will be granted the same one year extension on their renewed certificates.

There is no change to the expiration date on limited certificates, including conditional certificates. Districts and individuals need to follow existing policy for reissuance of these certificates.

For additional information, please read PESB’s announcement here.

WEA National Board Jump Start Seminars 2020

The Washington Education Association (WEA) is continuing to plan two in-person Jump Start events this summer. In partnership with the Oregon Education Association (OEA), WEA members are also provided the option to attend an OEA National Board Jump Start Seminar.

WEA Jump Start is a four-day comprehensive seminar designed to provide National Board candidates with important information about the certification process, time to examine component and Assessment Center requirements, the opportunity to plan how to meet requirements, and time to collaborate, gather resources and information needed to pursue certification. Candidates still in progress or deferring to 2021, as well as potential candidates beginning next year, may find these seminars highly beneficial to their pursuit of National Board Certification. Registration fee for these events to be approximately $200 for active WEA members.

Below are the planned locations and dates for Jump Start In-Person Trainings:

Spokane, WA: June 23-26, 2020 [WEA event]

Eugene, OR: July 27-30, 2020 [OEA event]

Seattle/Puget Sound Area, WA: August 3-6, 2020 [WEA event]

Portland, OR: August 3-6, 2020 [OEA event]

Bend, OR: August 10-13, 2020 [OEA event]

It is possible some/all of these in-person trainings may be canceled as we monitor social distancing requirements in our state. WEA is exploring the possibility of offering the Jump Start curriculum through online delivery. At this time, you are encouraged to pre-register for these events. Please fill out this pre-registration form. Note: This pre-registration does not bind you to attend, nor is payment required at this time. This information will be used for planning and candidate outreach purposes this spring and summer. WEA will be in touch with pre-registrants later this spring with updates about program offerings and official registration.

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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