By Joy at the Southern Schoolhouse
Fireworks!! This is the goal when you open your National Boards Account on Score Release Day. Seeing the popping digital fireworks is such a relief. Yet getting to this point is an uphill journey that breaks your teaching down and then builds your skills back up to a higher level. This happens through deep reflection during component completion.
In my previous article, Expert Tips for National Boards-Setting Up a System, I outlined how to create an organized system, including a timeline, for board submission. I included four steps. The first three were all about organization to set you up for success. Step four focused on what I did prior to submission. For those now in the process or considering the process I want to expand upon my step four as well as reflect on why I think my submission was successful.
Spread out your National Boards Components:
Is it possible to do all four components in one year? Yes, but I did not. Looking back I am so glad I broke up the components. For me, I chose to do the test first. It was my way of dipping my toe in the water. I took the test component out in February and scheduled my test for a few months later. I did this to give myself time to study…can you say Quizlet?? National Boards also provided practice tests to work through, which were very helpful. Be sure to use these resources. You will be more comfortable and increase your chances of passing.
The following year I took out the last three components. It was a sort of “rip the band-aid” off move. I am getting older so I did not want to take the full amount of time to complete all of the components. I took them out in February but would recommend that you take them out as early as possible. Gathering the release forms, setting up a system to organize your materials, and completing all components, takes a lot of time. The longer you give yourself, the better.
Find Support:
This sounds simple but it makes a huge difference. Surround yourself with a support system. My Southern Schoolhouse gals were my cheerleading squad. They helped encourage me, shared their expertise for completion, and even helped to carry some of my responsibilities at work. My family took on extra chores so that I could write in the evenings as well as encouraged me when the workload felt overwhelming. My husband was instrumental in supporting me when I felt overwhelmed or lacked confidence. You too need to find support.
Research if your school or state provides support. Our school system and state offered component reimbursements and staff to answer questions about the process. They provided helpful writing days and a group of people who would read over your components, providing valuable feedback. Making sure you know what resources are available and leveraging these makes a difference.
Build in Lots of Writing Time:
Once your organizational system is in place (see our article here), build in writing time to meet your timelines. I first set my goal for submission and then worked my timelines backward from there.
I built in time to write every night after supper, wrote a lot during my spring break, and took a day off toward the end to complete a final proof read and prepare my submission.
Be diligent about your writing and your timelines. This will ease much tension during this strenuous process.
Read, Read, Read:
Once you complete your drafts it is important that you read through your submissions several times.
1st Read-Requirements: In my article about organizational tips, you see that I cut and paste each component’s expectations to the top of my document. During this first read, I made sure each requirement was addressed. This includes font size, spacing, and length. Next I made sure each question or area was addressed.
2nd Read-Clarity: Once I knew all requirements were included, I read again for clarity. Did I clearly answer the requirements? Can the reader understand the point I am trying to get across?
3rd Read-Grammar and Punctuation: The third read was to double check my grammar, sentence structure and punctuation. Run it through spell check and a grammar check program if needed.
4th Read-Add Key Words: This was important. Shannon kept talking about how she was sure to add key words to her writing. I reviewed all rubrics and picked out key educational terms. I then made sure to go back through my writing and sprinkle these throughout. I believe this helped to bring me success.
5th Read (or 6th, 7th, 8th…): I next did a full read through to make sure everything was right. This was not easy and I am telling you, it may not ever seem right. I tweaked the components over and over, and read through them a million times. This is when another’s input may be helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask. For me, it got to a point where I just couldn’t read it again-my submission was as ready as it could be.
Don’t wait til the Last Minute to Hit Submit:
I began to upload my documents weeks before submission was due. This ensured that if I had any technical difficulties, it could be resolved.
Once submitted you have to let it go. At this point, it is what it is. You just need to trust you did all that you could and regardless, you are a better teacher and person for it.
Best of luck, you got this!!
