Monday, June 29, 2009

Latest on National Board Funding for 2009-2010

Here is a message from Karen Garr regarding National Board PURPOSED funding.


June 26, 2009
This e-mail provides an update on the status of the proposed legislation pertaining to the National Board Certification program in North Carolina. First, I have been told that many NBCTs and candidates have contacted their legislators to explain the benefits of the National Board Certification program and how their proposed changes would affect the program in the future. Second, changes in the proposed program are being considered and will continue to be considered for the next several days (with the budget writers meeting privately).

When the latest version of the proposed K-12 education budget was released on Monday, June 21, there were changes in the recommendation for the National Board Certification program, as follows:
$3.3 million will be provided for applicant fees in 2009-10.
The three days of release time for candidates will be eliminated.
There is a cap on the number of candidates totaling 1,320.
A loan program will be instituted in 2010-11.

NOTE: The 12% stipend for NBCTs remains untouched at this time.

Third, a number of NBCTs have met with legislators.

The messages they are sharing are:
Appreciation for the continued funding and for the fee payment this year
A request that legislators not cap the candidate numbers in case we are able to get funding for fee payments from other sources
A request that the special provision (under consideration) regarding National Board fee support be open to a number of options rather than limited only to a loan program. NOTE: NBCTs have indicated that they would like to provide input about how North Carolina can continue to provide fee support in addition to the option of a loan program.In the meeting on June 21, one of the most vocal supporters of the National Board program was Sen. Dan Blue from Wake County. Senator Blue questioned changes and asked at one point, "Are we saying we can't afford our best teachers?"Here are the some of the points teachers are using when talking about the National Board:
We have been the model for the nation.
National Board Certification makes a difference in student learning and in teacher retention. (National Research Council report, available at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102623646784&s=106224&e=001IaHtYCpsZmmJUBiMZo1Xlp5hcxeG5ebLiyKQDHurzWcLyu9uR1DQQn-xNU07d2TqCuKApHx8n_GCkoLeSFKBs54yVBrAus_uo1ar2-r3tsA=)
The new Secretary of Education Arne Duncan supports National Board Certification. (See quotations at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102623646784&s=106224&e=001IaHtYCpsZmmJUBiMZo1Xlp5hcxeG5ebLiyKQDHurzWcLyu9uR1DQQn-xNU07d2TqCuKApHx8n_GCkoLeSFKBs54yVBrAus_uo1ar2-r3tsA=)
This is the only pay-for-performance plan still in existence in NC. The legislature is recommending a freeze on the ABC program.
This is the only vehicle teachers have for increasing their pay because a freeze in the salary schedule has been recommended. If you would like to volunteer to contact your legislators about the National Board Certification program in North Carolina, go here for contact information.

Senators who are in key decision making positions on the budget are:
Co-Chairman Sen. Tony Foriest Co-Chairman Sen. Richard Stevens Vice Chairman Sen. Joe Sam Queen Members Sen. Dan Blue, Sen. Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr., Sen. Don Vaughan
Members of the House who are key are:Chairman Rep. Glazier Chairman Rep. McLawhorn Chairman Rep. Rapp Vice Chairman Rep. Bell Vice Chairman Rep. Lucas Vice Chairman Rep. Parmon Vice Chairman Rep. TarletonRep. Laura I. Wiley
Leaders of the two chambers who will make the final decisions are:Speaker Rep. Joe HackneyPresident Pro Tempore Rep. Marc BasnightMajority Leader Sen. Tony RandSenior Chairman Rep. Michaux Chairman Rep. Adams Chairman Rep. M. Alexander Chairman Rep. Crawford Chairman Rep. Haire Chairman Rep. Jeffus Chairman Rep. Tolson Chairman Rep. Yongue Co-Chairman Sen. Charles W. Albertson Co-Chairman Sen. Linda Garrou Co-Chairman Sen. A. B Swindell Co-Chairman Sen. Charlie S. Dannelly Some teachers have taken it upon themselves to visit their legislators to educate them about National Board Certification. Each Wednesday, NCAE hosts a legislative briefing at the NCAE Center at 700 S. Salisbury in Raleigh.

Thank you for your tireless efforts in our schools all year long.

Karen GarrRegional Outreach Directorkgarr@nbpts.org