Network Leadership Teams and Social Media Champions,

As you know, scores for both initial and MOC candidates will be released on December 11, 2021. In preparation, we have a couple of important updates and some resources to share with you.

Updates:

• Please encourage your candidates to log into their accounts in advance of score release. Score reports are accessed via candidate accounts. If candidates can’t log in to their account over score release weekend, they will need to reach out to customer support directly on Monday.

• Candidates frequently report that their district’s email filters are sending our emails to spam folders. Candidates should consider switching the email address in their account to a personal email address.

• A change this year is that candidates will see fireworks on the first page of their score report. The virtual fireworks will not be visible when candidates enter their account. 

• The steps for accessing scores is straightforward. Here are screenshots of the process for Initial Certification candidates and for MOC/Renewal candidates.

Resources:

• Our social media toolkit, including graphics and sample posts, will be published here by December 10. Remember to use #NBCTstrong!

• If you’re looking for ideas on coaching candidates, helping prepare candidates for what to expect at score release, and/or using the rubric and feedback statements to help understand scores, check out the Scoring and Canvas Module in our Collaboration Space. As you make plans for December 11, there are a few conversations that started last year that you may find helpful: Virtual Celebrations, Supporting Advanced Candidates and Unpacking the Scoring Guide & Rubrics. 

• Following score release, candidates often want support unpacking their scores and feedback statements. The National Board and stakeholders have developed resources designed to help candidates understand their scores to support them in determining their next steps. Here are resources we will share in a candidate email: 

• At the end of your score report, you will see some a “What can I do next?” section that has some initial recommendations. (Screenshot below)

• Join us on January 18 (8:00 pm ET) webinar about understanding feedback statements and things to consider when retaking components. The webinar will be led by NBCTs who have personal experience with these decisions and deep expertise guiding candidates. Even if you can’t join live, please register, and you’ll get the replay.

• Explore Understanding your Scores and Feedback Statements. This resource includes a module in the free canvas course for candidates and the recording and resources from a webinar we held last year on scores and feedback.

• Visit our Score Release page. You’ll find a scoring calculator, the Scoring Guide and a range of other resources.

• We have developed additional guidance for educators pursuing National Board certification during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights changes we’ve put in place to provide flexibility for successfully completing and submitting components during the pandemic. 

• Join the Advanced/Retake Candidates Facebook page. You are not alone and the group’s moderators have answers to commonly asked questions. They provide important guidance and support. The community will be valuable. 

• There are planning guides for each of the components. The guides include graphic organizers, previously recorded webinars, and access to the free canvas course.