News Article - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

National Board Certification for Principals

To:	Superintendents and Principals
From:	Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
Date:	May 6, 2011

I am pleased to announce an opportunity for principals interested in receiving National Board Certification for Principals (NBCP) to pilot the newly developed certification for principals free of charge. The purpose of the NBCP is to recognize accomplished leaders who improve student learning, retain talented teachers, and foster school improvement through engaging parents and the community. The purpose of the pilot is to validate the national principal certification process and scoring. During the pilot, which will occur from June 2011 through December 2012, a national sample of principals will participate in the certification process. NBPTS will work with the participants throughout the process to ensure that it is accessible, fair, and meaningful; that the content reflects the most essential elements of the NBPTS Accomplished Principal Standards; and that the tasks can be completed within a reasonable timeframe and without undue burden to principals. Pilot test results will be used to fine-tune the accuracy of scoring procedures and study the short-term outcomes of certification for successful participants. To be eligible, a principal must: 1) possess an earned bachelor's degree; 2) have completed three years as a principal; and 3) hold a valid Massachusetts principal license. Participants will receive National Board Certification if their submissions meet certification standards and the process is a valid evaluation of accomplished principal practice. Successful completion of certification will also earn participants 120 Professional Development Points (PDPs). Final selection of participants will be based on principals who meet the National Board eligibility requirements and principals who meet characteristics to achieve as balanced a sample as possible across a range of characteristics including: gender, race/ethnicity, years of principal experience, school level, school context (urban, suburban, rural), school enrollment, and Title I status. The selection will be made by the NBPTS and its outreach partner, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). Interested principals should visit www.nbptsprincipals.org for more information and to apply. Application deadline is May 31, 2011.

Last Updated: May 6, 2011