The flim-flam report National Council of Teacher Quality (NCTQ) just reared its ugly head again. Those who follow education news know the report is bogus. Many bloggers have been justly slamming the report.
You only need to look at the NCTQ Advisory Board and Board of Directors to understand what they are up to. Most of them have been anti-public school and anti-professional teachers for years.
I mean Wendy Kopp from Teach for America is judging university ed schools? Go on!
So I would like to get a little slam in myself about the NCTQ’s past love affair with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE). This is an online group to make teachers. It was started by Ed Secretary Rod Paige from the more recent Bush administration.
If you don’t remember Rod Paige, let me refresh your memory. He was a one termer who likened the teachers union to terrorists not long after 9-11.
If you think of teachers as terrorists, as Paige (and probably other reformers) did (and maybe still do), I guess it becomes imperative that you come up with a plan to destroy the ed schools in the universities, who are professionally preparing the teachers, and that is just what Rod Paige attempted to do.
One of the ways he would accomplish this goal was to develop a new way of making teachers. The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence or ABCTE for short was just the ticket.
If you have time to read up on Mr. Paige, please do. He helped bring us No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and was around earlier during the Texas education miracle. Remember that humdinger? Student test scores rose higher than ever before, but later everyone learned the success was rigged. And NCLB was based on…the Texas education miracle.
I think it is important to sometimes go back in time and remember the players and how we got to where we are today when it comes to America’s public schools. And ABCTE is one of those early programs we should revisit.
Paige was followed by everyone’s favorite substitute teacher Margaret Spellings who overshadows Arne Duncan in the teaching experience department. Spellings, as you may recall, likened NCLB to Ivory Soap…it was in her mind “99.9 pure or something.” They both signed on to ABCTE.
ABCTE allows you to go online to become a teacher and get credentialed. You can do it fast and you can do it cheap! They actually brag that the whole kit and caboodle to earn your degree costs less than the cost of one real college class!
Think how politicians and higher-ed leaders do little to bring down the costs of a traditional college education, but they allow cheap programs like ABCTE to flourish.
And they’ve got deals! Why just this past Father’s Day dads were offered a discount! I think the total price was $1700 instead of the usual $1995. If you missed it don’t worry. The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Maybe they will have another bargain!
ABCTE likes to flaunt it. They say: “The American Board offers one of the most flexible and affordable ways to earn your teaching certification. We offer an online, independent study program that will allow you to prepare to teach at your own pace and without the costs of returning to school. American Board candidates take an average of 10 months from enrollment to certification, and many continue working full time jobs while preparing!”
Did I mention, they do special education too?
And you tell me. How does a workbook and occasional mentoring provide the best professional training you can find for teachers who will one day work with students?
But all is not well for ABCTE. Despite a glowing 2012 blog post on the NCTQ website, the recent ABCTE results were pretty bad even in the NCTQ report. Here are the grades:
Idaho D
Missouri D
Mississippi C
Pennsylvania D
South Carolina D
Will ABCTE cease to be? Will the free market world of alternative teacher prep push ABCTE out the door? Or will they make excuses and forgive and forget?
The United States Department of Education signed on to the ABCTE, and it uses it, programs like it, and the NCTQ to unfairly damn real education programs in America’s universities.
The NCTQ may be having relationship strife with ABCTE but to be sure, they love all their other alternative programs, like Teach for America. Why, they don’t even see any conflict of interest there with Kopp on the Advisory Board!
That’s too bad for America’s students. The fact that many states embrace this and other unregulated online programs is troubling. How many well-meaning individuals spend money to become teachers, never get the appropriate preparation, and are teaching today? How many tax dollars are going to these programs? ABCTE has a scholarship program. Who’s paying for it?
It is a very sad example of the de-regulation of what used to be a great profession.
I don’t believe there is one credible study that adequately justifies getting rid of ed. schools in universities for faster prep programs totally online.
Instead, we should be flooding these schools with resources to improve legitimate research and good professional teaching practices. America’s children deserve an honest and real professional teaching workforce.
NCTQ may or may not be breaking up with ABCTE, but everyone should wonder who the new teachers are and where they came from when school starts this fall.
ABCTE is a scam!!!!! They do not give you the information needed and their tests have numerous triple and double negative questions trying to trip you up. I witnessed a man with a PHD removed from the testing center screaming,”nothing i studied was on the test”.
They are a money maker and that is it!
Agreed! They advertise a cert for “only $2000 ” and say “you don’t even have to go back to school”, but that is a lie. They told me I had to register for two classes at some other school totalling around an additional $6000. I couldn’t afford to do that, so I wasted my $2000 and got absolutely nothing accomplished. I
am very surprised people haven’t sued them for the misleading information.
This is a very common theme in this thread, I’m not sure how so many misconceptions endure through the application and sign-up process.
I did the program in Pennsylvania. I was encouraged/directed by the ABCTE staff to investigate the specific requirements for certification via this route in our state. To support this, they directed me to the Pennsylvania Department Of Education’s ABCTE web page, which clearly explains everything,
https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/BecomeAnEducator/Pages/AmericanBoard.aspx
Note that in the middle of the page this warning appears:
“It is the candidate’s responsibility to contact Point Park University regarding additional information on completing the above requirements. Candidates should note that there will be additional costs incurred for this portion of the program. Information regarding costs should be confirmed with Point Park University”
Additionally, there’s a video on the ABCTE website that explains all of the Pennsylvania-specific requirements in detail as well, including the additional costs. – which are significant.
https://www.americanboard.org/pennsylvania/
When I attended the first Zoom session for potential ABCTE program participants, the Point Park University folks spelled it all out again, stressing the educational components, the cost, and the necessity to secure a teaching position in which to perform the student/teaching/mentoring phase. I am pretty sure that everyone in attendance walked away with a clear understanding of the nature of the program, the costs, and possible challenges involved. Out of the group that showed up for that Zoom session, I’m told about 40% went on to actually enter the program,
So, I am not advocating for ABCTE, nor condemning them. I am merely asserting that it’s possible to get a complete and accurate picture of the program before signing on,
That said, this space is a great forum for discussing important issues in education, and alternate paths to certification is one of them. Thanks to Dr. Bailey for providing us all with the opportunity to express thoughts and concerns.
When I enrolled, that information was provided AFTER the initial payment. Had it been provided before, I would have known about it.
This is the worst program. it took $1900 dollars from me and a lot of my time. It did not teach me anything I already didn’t know. I failed the exam. The questions aren’t like the information in the book.
I heard that from a lot of people.
Tell me about it. I just did the Biology and paid for the retake. So why is more than a third of that test Chemistry and Physics. Diagrams and information it isn’t right to ask a student based on how little information they gave.
Asking for the y-intercept of a line from two points isn’t something they go over either.
I’ve been out of college for over ten years.
The second half of the information section didn’t even define terms. I wish I could get my money back. It’s a complete rip off.
I’m sorry. I can understand your frustration. If I were you I’d file a complaint and seek to get my money back. Thanks for sharing, Shelby.
Just contacted a program that pushes ABCTE and requested reviews of past participants of their program. NADA…nothing. I do not mind having and/or obtaining a teacher certification; however, having EARNED a BA in a humanities discipline, then why am I to further empty my pockets in monetary terms to teach a subject that I have already been certified? How much do teachers ACTUALLY earn compared to the hours and hours required in teaching, grading, record keeping, parent conferences, and disciplinary functions in the classroom? Doctors, Lawyers, and Engineers do NOT become so unless there were teachers to teach them. After certification requirements, Teacher Union dues, personal costs for teaching aids, personal expenses and family time….is it REALLY worth the effort? I could just drive a truck and make a LOT more money.
ABCTE is a fast track program and not the typical university program. But you make great points about the time involved with becoming a teacher and winding up not only with lousy salaries, but unprofessional treatment too. Thanks, Bill.
It is a scam and I lost my 1900…???? The materials they provide for PTK exam is a joke. They have two parts in the PTK exam – Objective and Essay. I cleared the objective part but the written part is something I couldn’t conquer. I am not a fancy writer which is graded by the IntelliMeter software. I read somewhere that, even a veteran journalist who took the exam couldn’t clear the written part. The organization doesn’t train you or communicate with you anything. If you ask any question about the written part, they will simply ask you to refer the rubric that is associated with the essay, This program is run by bunch of fraudsters who are emptying your pockets in the broad daylight. This is my review about the ABCTE scamming program.
RUN AWAY!
Thank you. I appreciate this review! Sounds awful. I’m sorry you were not treated well.
This company advertises that one is able to obtain certification for $1900 withjout having to go back to school. However, you are required to take graduate courses for several thousands more and student teach for an alotted time for free. (they don’t tell you this ahead of time) This all would be okay had they told you these things ahead of time. And no, the content on the exam is nothing like what is provided. Sounds like FALSE ADVERTISING to me.
Ba dum, tiss…
Thanks for sharing, Laurie. It is important to learn what the promises really involve.
Right now, ABCTE is the only teaching program that I am able to afford. I took all my teaching courses in college but was unable to get licensed. If alternative licensure programs are removed/revamped, we need to make sure there are accessible alternatives for people from marginalized groups like myself. The licensure process is extremely biased towards well-off white folk. That’s not okay. Our classrooms are not made up of all white, rich kids. Their teachers should be representative of their population and current licensing requirements make that all but impossible.
So the State won’t license you with college coursework, but will with ABCTE? That makes no sense.
That’s the real world! I find it hard to not know why there is a “BLM” movement. Structural and systemic racism can keep the majority of a targeted population down. There may also be other extenuating circumstances that affect potential teachers. I have sympathy and empathy.
Staying on topic, I have spoken with many that have been let down by public school teachers and staff. For example – look at Rochester, NY and Las Vegas, NV, both systems have atrocious results. Thankfully there are diamonds (passionate teachers) in the rough. For myself, I
believe mentorship, passion, and experience will lead to better results. We all know the demand for teachers will not go away any time soon. I’m currently researching alternatives to traditional certification. I’m in the research phase. I will also use the resources offered to me at the local Army Education Center. I have to consider, cost, time, and quality of instruction.
I think you will agree with me that there is not one teacher nor human that is omniscient. No matter how long we have held certification or a specific license, we are all limited, we’re all a product of our experiences in life. I am a Combat Veteran and prior to my eight years of Army service I wanted to be a teacher. Now that I am too old and physically not to par for military service (except with a waiver), I havr to question my next career move. I want to do exactly what I did in the Army – teach (train)! In the Army I helped train the force. As a teacher I prefer to teach elementary aged children, they’re brains are like sponges. Since I had a role in training fellow Soldiers their craft to live another day, defend themselves in battle, and to help win a battle and war, I believe I have ability. I had complete responsibility for all aspects of my subordinates’ lives (as long as it is lawful and doesn’t go against the Uniform Code of Military Justice). As a leader and Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), I was charged to develop quality Soldiers: mind, body, and soul. What more do you think I need? In my opinion I have the passion and will not accept defeat.
Until alternatives disappear, please nurture those new teachers regardless of college or university that stamped their diploma. I’m on my journey to help educate the future, all because a few great teachers in my life taught me (civilian and military). So do your part, keep on moving forward. I can read through your words, you are concerned. As a parent of five, I am concerned as well. The quality of our educators are very important. I urge you to use your passion to build up new and future educators so they can be like you – a concerned educator that has passion for students.
The next generation of Americans need quality teachers in all facets of their life. Passion for being an educator is of utmost importance, then we will be able to see the potential in every student. Hopefully I will become a professional educator like you. While teaching, I hope to have your passion and conviction for our chosen profession.
Even though I am a Veteran, I still espouse my role as an Army NCO.
NCO Creed – No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as “The Backbone of the Army.” I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers, and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service, and my country; regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watch-word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind – accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer, I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers, and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders!
https://shape.nato.int/command-senior/blog/roles-and-responsibilities-of-the-noncommissioned-officer-nco-tactical-to-strategic
Teachers are like those in all professions. You will always find some that not good at teaching. Thank you for your service, but I don’t see school functioning like the military.
While I can’t speak to the military model, I am 100% behind the reality of Teacher Preparation programs (and the college model) being a very elite, exclusive entry point for middle to upper middle class families and students. Through an 1980s ‘reformist’ agenda, I was allowed (legistlatively) to attend a Big 10 school. Just a decade later that would have been impossible with my GPA. The experience of secondary education practicum was a disaster and hardly any support. I did not pursue licensure. Decades later, I found out the program no longer existed an my degree was basically useless. Was there any consideration for retrofits for these graduates? supports for re-entries? No, and I did not have the funds or energy (full time mom/dad and breadwinner and all) to return for a new degree. I too believe not enough mentors exist that understand and can truly support the experience of marginalized adult learners.. That being said, our education system is going through a much needed Overhaul. New and fresh voices will hopefully rise up and speak to the true needs of our next generations. They will NOT be what we left behind in the 20 century. Inclusion has a new tone and we must all be ready to think of the “Profession” more as a “calling” and invest more Passion and Creativity than asking “how long do I have to stay in this district (usually underfunded) before I can leave for another(usually better funded)?” and “what degree to do I need to take next to get paid more?”. Many teachers do not realize how their inherent biases affect the community they teach in and its children.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that public schools and the teaching profession aren’t destroyed by Covid-19.
That’s what’s happening to me. I have a teaching cert from another state. A BA and 16 grad school credits for my teaching cert. They’re telling me I need to go back to school and they recommend this program.
Thanks for sharing. I’m sorry to hear that. You might be interested in the following.
https://www.wisconsinnetwork.org/blog/buyer-beware
For the record I don’t care for edTPA either.
I am a teacher and I am enrolled in the ABCTE program. Respectfully and objectively, here is what I think commenters and readers should know:
1. American Board is a non-profit, independent study program.
2. This program provides an opportunity to become certified. It is not a state licensure. However, obtaining a teaching certificate does allow the licensure process to become more efficient. Each state has their specific requirements for teacher licensure. A state requirement could be, “…at least three years of relevant teaching experience in the content area as demonstrated through successful [TESS] evaluations.”
3. ABCTE program requirements to receive a certificate are: pass two certification exams. First, pass the PTK (Professional Teaching Knowledge). This exam has a multiple choice and a writing component. Then, pass the chosen subject area exam. Some states require certifications in two subjects instead of one such as 4th-8th grade math and science. These exams are relatable to the Praxis I and II. Pass a national background check and provide official transcripts of a bachelor’s degree.
4. ABCTE provides program resources such as practice exams, webinars, rubrics, exam standards, program checklists, access to the New Teacher Hotline podcast, and a support team that can answer questions through email, online chat, or calling.
5. As of 2019, ABCTE has issued over 10,000 certifications. This program is not intended to fail anyone. It is stated clearly in the program’s orientation video the expectations to prepare for on the timed, standardized exams. It is the candidate’s obligation to be organized, proactive, and goal-oriented while preparing to take these rigorous tests. This does not mean “I’ve been teaching for years, so I’ll be fine.” It means it is their way (the “best” research-based practices) or no certification. You may be a published writer, but if you do not prepare and comply to their writing rubric on the exam, previous experience will not help. It is not an exam based off a gut feeling. It is based off their best practice standards and a professional response to common scenarios teachers may face in the educational field. There are right answers to choose from on the multiple-choice component and there is the BEST answer to choose.
https://www.americanboard.org/
Now, to comment on my personal experience. I have been teaching for five years. Charter schools in my state do not require any certifications to teach. I was required by the state to complete a three-year teacher mentorship program since I was not certified. Through this mentoring, I learned about this non-traditional certification route with the ABCTE. After moving grades and subjects, I have found the grade and subject area I wish to become certified in through my classroom experience. While this certification program is for many, it is evidently not for all. If a parent were to question my certifications, I would be happy to tell them it was a non-traditional way through the American Board program. After all, it is better to be certified than not at all.
In summary, this program is not and does not claim to be a state licensure program to teach. There are several other requirements per the state such as (but not limited to) completed mentorship programs partnered with the state, a certain amount of professional development hours a school year, or a completion of a certain amount of years teaching that subject and grade level. The ABCTE is simply a certificate and one of the many possibilities to achieve said certificate in participating states.
I would be happy to clarify or answer any questions.
I would suggest you do some further research on this program. Do a Google search. It might seem convenient but perhaps you can find something better and equally convenient. Some reputable universities offer online programs that provide a better quality program. Good luck.
I can assure you I did more than a Google search when investing in the advancement of my career. For my situation, the best alternative route was through the ABCTE.
It is arguable that a non-traditional route to becoming a certified teacher has been considered setting the bar too low. After all, a great teacher must be an expert in content and pedagogy. How is that possible to master in a one-year, independent online program? I completely agree. Receiving a certificate does not make a great teacher; a diploma in education through a four-year accredited university or master’s program does not necessarily make great teachers. Mastering pedagogical theory and content does not give one the ability to teach. A first-year teacher given any background is no more prepared in experience or “tricks of the trade” by traditional or alternate routes. No matter the path taken to become an educator, all new teachers need guidance in some or many areas of the job.
Creating an untrustworthiness through different certification routes is shaming those that possibly made a career change, have financial circumstances, or any other logical explanation specific to them as to why a bachelor’s or master’s in education was not for them. Providing a different route to teaching allows more diversity in the workforce to be accepted and celebrated in the classroom. Teachers teach never give up, right? We model find another way to success. I teach an average of one hundred students a school year. Think of how many IEP’s (Individual Education Programs) I abide to lawfully. What if teachers insisted there was only one, right way for a student to be successful or great? Other alternatives to their success are not to be trusted. I understand questioning the turnover rate, and the acceptable quality of an educator. Pinpointing those suspicions to one specific program like the ABCTE is not going to create better or worse teachers.
Read about ABCTE below. It isn’t a quality program. I would find an online program from an accredited university. I received gifted certification from an online program from the University of South Florida. It was well-done. I learned a lot.
https://dianeravitch.net/category/national-council-on-teacher-quality-nctq/
“The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence will be granting teaching licenses in Wisconsin.
“What does it take to earn a teaching license through the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)?
$2100
A computer.
Web access
?
“That’s it! You never need to step foot in a college classroom or a classroom full of children. This is truly “fast-track” alternative teacher certification. Who needs to work with kids or learn how to interact with other human beings? That’s so “traditional.””
Dear Nancy,
I am 60 years old and masters-level trained communications professional — I have been a public educator for over 20 year and currently teach ESL online. I would like spend the last years of my working life teaching English, even though the profession has become a political hockey puck in the state of Wisconsin where I live. I have looked into the more “traditional” academic route toward becoming a licensed educator, and I will tell you that one single internet inquiry has unleashed a feeding frenzy of sales people representing the dozens of for-profit colleges and universities — including a new hybrid of “school” that basically rents the names and logos of respected institutions — who all want to hard-sell me a MA. It would take at least 18 months and cost me about $30K — for a job that will not likely pay that much in a year! I’m sorry to say this, but higher education in this country has at best become a cut throat business and at worst it is a racket. There is a fine line between protecting professional standards and perpetuating a status quo that has become self-serving and corrupt.
For-profit colleges are a racket and you’re right about their degrees being problematic for getting a decent paying job if a job at all! Established universities are always a better bet, however, many of those are also focused on corporate funding. Still, they’re a better bet. Thank you, Rachel. You posted an interesting comment and I appreciate it.
That is not true, You have to enroll in another school for an additional $6000, and do student teaching for no pay. (They call it “mentoring” or some such term.) Not feasible for everyone.
Hi, I just want to start by saying that I don’t agree with the way you are characterizing those who have negative things to say about ABCTE. That may only be true of some candidates. I am currently enrolled in their program and from my free trial onward have taken advantage of their resources and prepared in the way they recommended. I passed my PTK exam on the first try. I’m a college graduate who knows how prepare for and pass standardized exams (like the GMAT). Today was my subject area exam which I went into with confidence knowing I studied the material all the way through twice, making use of external resources. Upon sitting for the exam I was struck with a sense of unease because it seemed foreign to me. The questions were unlike the practice questions and not only that the exam focused on unrelated math 9that wasn’t covered) and minute random details that a general subject overview didn’t prepare me for. In addition, the questions certainly were designed to trip people up rather than to test knowledge. And yes, I’m well familiar with the idea of choosing the “best” answer out of similar sounding answers. I unfortunately failed by a small margin and worse, I don’t have confidence that anything I can do can quite prepare me for this exam – especially not a 4 to 6 month overview of the subject that is tested on detail and depth. As, like I stated, the material has a broad scope and the questions focus on random details that an expert (or photographic memory) would be able to answer. The study material, however, is not written in a way as to make one an expert. Certain areas were completely ignored by the exam and it asked questions that were not represented in the study material at all ( a common complaint it seems regarding ABCTE). In the end, the exam is not concerned with testing (teachable) knowledge. It is far more accurately described as a trick to get you to fail.
BTW…this was also true of my PTK exam. I was being asked questions unrelated to the content in my study materials.
Just wanted to share this.
Once a test is failed the candidate is left with options of paying more to extend their course or pay to retake exams. The problem is that the confidence that the course prepares one is no longer there.
Passing online tests doesn’t make you a teacher. If you really want to teach, enroll in a real university program.
Damn, you’re really being dogmatically bitchy about this. What makes you a real teacher is actually teaching in the classroom. However you got there, if you have the intelligence, craftsmanship and panache–that’s a teacher. You really are something.
I try to be respectful. I guess we simply disagree. I think how you got there is important.
I see teaching as a true profession. Certainly there are some individuals who are good with students, but who will make that determination? I believe a teaching degree is necessary.
I want to see students get teachers who are well-prepared who study child development, psychology, how to react to student difficulties, and how to teach reading, science, and all the other subjects. It isn’t easy under the best of circumstances and even with good preparation.
Of course even with a degree a teacher might have a tough time teaching. But I think there need to be some regulations surrounding teaching as a career.
ABCTE doesn’t seem like a good preparation program. Are you a teacher? Did you find ABCTE a good program?
Getting a degree in teaching doesn’t make you a good teacher. These programs require you to have a bachelors degree from a “real university”. So they are actually skilled in a particular subject. A teaching degree doesn’t make you an expert in any subject. So what is really better? I think your attitude on this needs to change with the times. I would rather have teachers skilled in a subject that learned how to teach than teachers who just learn how to teach that aren’t skilled in a subject.
We need a teaching profession to ensure that those who lead classrooms are prepared to teach their subjects. Of course, teachers should understand the subject they are teaching, and the best place to get the knowledge is in an accredited university. You seem to contradict yourself. But thanks for taking the time to comment.
You still have to teach as part of this training. Subbing is not quiet the same unless you are a long-term substitute, but still, you don’t pass the test and go to DESE without being in the classroom once.
I have a degree. I have a Bachelors in English with a minor in Biology. It was simply the teaching classes I was missing.
I passed my English and PTK from ABCTE, no thanks to the program. Between that, subbing, and a wonderful mentor teacher my first year I loved teaching and saw I could make a difference.
A traditional path is always going to have more to offer, but there is less flexibility and a higher financial burden that accompanies that. People of limited means make good teachers too.
We used to have financial assistance to encourage future teachers to attend college. No one is saying that those with limited means shouldn’t be teachers, but there shouldn’t be a reduction of teacher qualifications with unregulated fast-track programs. Universities should not be so out of reach, especially state schools.
Also, you say you have degrees in English and Bio. but there are more courses that make a teacher. Child development, psychology, methods, courses to help understand how to teach a subject, etc.
Curious. What are you teaching now? Also, thanks for commenting.
These comments are very enlightening, I wish I saw this before I paid for the program. I am currently a part of the ABCTE program, I find it very difficult to comprehend their format for studying the materials. They provide you with workbooks and standards for your education, but the book does not align with the standards. I can’t find definitive answers to help me master the curriculum. Did anyone else have this problem?
I absolutely had the same problem. Are you talking about the “study plan” not aligning with the “content standards”? They did not for me either despite them asking you to print everything out for the workshop on how to study. Then they introduce a new category “domain” which adds to the confusion.
I simply scheduled and paced myself making use of their workshops (especially for the writing component). I did end up passing the PTK exam but didn’t fare as well on my subject area exam. I posted about it elsewhere here.
Good Luck!
It seems like all those in the ABCTE program talk about is passing tests. There’s much more to becoming a teacher.
Hi. I’m sure it does seem that way. I think it’s due to the fact that high stakes tests are a stressful (perhaps even traumatic…LOL!) part of the experience of becoming a teacher. Therefore, people will vent about that aspect in particular. After all, one’s dreams can’t come true without that necessary part of it. But, I don’t think it means that that’s their only priority. Maybe I’m naive but I don’t see how one can become a teacher without having their heart in it. One has to love their subject area, even as a hobby, and enjoy sharing it with others. Although that may not be the focus of the discussion here, but I think that might also be due to the topic of the article. And we should also remember that venting/complaining about high stakes testing is not unique to prospective teachers. I’ve seen students of many important profession do the say. I think it’s just a part of the process.
BTW, and unrelated…is there anyway I can edit or delete my posts if I want to? Thanks.
Having “your heart in it” is important for any profession. But unless one gets the right preparation to do the job they are a fraud. All I hear about ABCTE is that it is online and those who pay money upfront go online and get to be a teacher in a year.
Hello, I purchased the ABCTE program about 2 weeks ago, and after printing out the materials I saw errors as well within their English study plan and the content standards (a huge glaring error if you ask me). I agree that the content is set up in a very confusing way, as certain material is referenced in one way, and then called something else another time. They also have defunct links in their webinar portions, due to Adobe not supporting flash anymore. I even wrote them asking when was the last time they updated the material and I didnt get a straight answer, just a ” yes we update constantly.”
Since the material is so sloppily put together, I’m assuming so will the tests, as it seems to be the concensus that no matter how hard you study, you may not have the answer- cause it can only be learned from outside material (aka a quote from a book you have never read).
This is all very disappointing….refund is within 30 days but you get only 80 % back.. Shall I get the refund?
After 25 years as an engineer, I certified in PA via ABCTE. In our state the ABCTE certification itself is not a certification to teach – it is a required step to enter a particular alternative route to certification. The ABCTE path is just one of a few different alternate route options in PA. The streamlining aspect that people find offensive is really based on assuming that industry professionals already have the subject matter expertise in their respective areas, so some responsible training on the education and teaching side might make them effective as classroom teachers.
On the ABCTE side, I had no problem with either the PTK exam or the subject matter exams that I took ( Physics and Math ). I truly don’t see how anybody would. Other than the practice tests and quizzes, I didn’t use the preparation materials provided by ABCTE at all, so I can’t comment on the quality thereof. I did purchase external online prep materials through an outfit called Exam Edge (https://www.examedge.com/ ), which I had used previously for GRE prep. BTW I seriously doubt that anybody was ever pulled out of a testing center yelling and screaming. Seriously, the tests just aren’t that hard. If someone didn’t pass it’s because they didn’t study enough.
After that I took the required graduate coursework in education at Point Park University and completed a semester of student teaching/mentoring as required by the state. During that semester, my local school administrators and my assigned mentor/observer from Point Park observed me frequently and provided specific and actionable feedback. My lesson planning, instructional delivery, classroom management, assessment, record keeping, and interactions with students’ families were all subject to review and correction the entire time. The good people at Point Park University who administer the program in PA take it very seriously. Nobody asserts that the program is better or even the same thing as a traditional prep program – it’s a reasonable measure to address teacher shortages in high need areas, In my frequent interactions with my professors and advisors at Point Park, they made it clear that they will only recommend people for state certification when are demonstrably ready. I know of several people who had to repeat the student teaching/mentoring period, and others who dropped out of the program after unsuccessful student teaching/mentoring experiences. As has been expressed in this forum, becoming a teacher is a process that involves more than passing a few simple exams.
I understand the bias against such programs among “university trained” educators, but many people hold a similar bias against traditional prep programs, believing that they over-emphasize the “science” and “art” of education over practical competence, common sense, natural ability, and subject matter expertise.
In my professional teaching career to date, I have consistently been evaluated as highly effective in the classroom and my students learn math and science joyously. I believe the route taken to get here gave me a solid enough base on which to grow. Most of the value I got from the ABCTE route was based on my motivation to be the best classroom teacher that I can be. I imagine the same can be said of my dedicated and high performing colleagues who came out of four year programs.
Jeff, I appreciate your explanation, and your desire to teach. But I’m from the old school that believes university preparation involves more time and greater substance. Who evaluates ABCTE? If you read my blog I write much about preparing teachers and expecting traditional credentials once they complete a long course of study. The teacher shortage is indeed serious, but it is a shortage that was created by those driving qualified teachers out, replacing them with a cheaper group of individuals who are not fully prepared. Few professions would accept this. I find it a travesty that could have long term intellectual consequences. I think the role of the teacher will eventually be replaced with technology, even though there’s little proof this will create well-prepared students.
That said, I am glad you’re motivated and hope you are able to continually improve and find teaching an exciting endeavor. Best wishes.
ABCTE is a scam! I spent over $2,000! The person I talked to on the phone stated I did not need student teaching experience with ABCTE in the state of PA. This turned out to be false. Instead, I needed to spend an additional $10,000 at a Pittsburgh University to finish my credential. I was unable to afford this.
I’m sorry. Of course, I’m no fan of ABCTE, and I believe strongly that anyone who wants to teach should student teach, but I don’t see that listed. Here, they claim that you substitute teach. https://www.americanboard.org/pennsylvania/
Hi –
While the term “student teaching” is not specifically used, the requirement for 60 consecutive days of supervised teaching within your prospective area of certification is clearly stated on both the PDE website and on that of Point Park University. On both sites this called the “mentoring” period.
Most ABCTE people that I know ( including myself ) did the 60 days while working as a teacher under a Temporary Teaching Permit (TTP). The TTP is issued by PDE after one completes their ABCTE testing and coursework requirements. Landing a teaching position with just a TTP can be tricky – most people who do ( including myself ) have laid the groundwork by working as classroom assistants, private school teachers, etc. for a couple of years, and have very intentionally established clear objectives and expectations with the hiring entity from the very beginning. The other alternative route programs in PA have similar mechanisms, the most common one is generally known as an “Emergency Certification”.
I think that “no student teaching” idea arises from the concept of being able to be gainfully employed as a teacher during the mentorship, as opposed to doing it for academic credit/regulatory requirements.
I should note that mentoring program has costs associated with it, and academic requirements. While I don’t really remember, I think that my mentoring period ran about $5500 ( back in 2019 ). That covers the state appointed supervisor, the interactions with the folks back at Point Park, and stuff like that. I found the cost to be reasonable.
So that’s a decently informed 2 cents on this topic.
Thanks Nancy for continuing to offer such a great resource for open discussion around teacher quality!
Thanks for clearing this up, Jeff. It would seem like it would help to call mentorship “student teaching” if that’s what it involves. People who sign up for ABCTE need to be reminded to make sure they check on their state and whether they accept it and the additional requirements.
Nonetheless, when I asked the abcte representative if I was finished with my requirements after finishing the testing they said yes. This was false.
It sounds like they made a mistake. You know I’m not a fan of this program. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you, however. That must be frustrating to think you’ve completed the requirements. I hope you can find a way to make it work, Nicholas.
Unfortunately, for many of the bloggers here, I had a WONDERFUL experience through ABCTE. I did mine in 2006-2007 before it became a popular thing. I went through my certifications and fulfilled their requirements. ABCTE paid ME 1000 for completing credentials!!! I figured with massive teacher shortages and the endorsement of Alternate Route programs that it would become for-profit eventually. But it’s still cheaper than going and taking classes. Now I did have to take the Praxis–even though I had taken all of their tests. My state did not honor their tests and credentials without the Praxis. But even then, their test was much harder than the Praxis was, so I took the Praxis out the blue on the fly and aced it. Long story short: it’s what you make of it. No, they’re not going to have everything but you have to prepare yourself to expect the unexpected.
Thanks for sharing, Walter.
Hi Nancy. Do you know where we can make a formal complaint about ABCTE?
Here are the State websites. Try your state ABCTE group: https://www.americanboard.org/states/. Or check in with https://www.americanboard.org/. They have a chat you can ask, although it might not be a real person connecting. Good luck. If you do find out how to do this, please let us know here. Thank you!
I’m trying to figure out why you’re placing blame on the program instead of the states. Why are states allowing ABCTE if it’s not good? I became a sub, which led to a long term sub position and was hired by the school to do enrichment as a TA. I have a BA and MBA and honestly at this point in my life (family committments and contribution to household) ABCTE works. I realize this was written several years ago, but the teacher shortage is real. So is the money paid to teachers (and support staff). At this point in my life, I have to be thinking about my children’s college – and not my own third degree.
Also, your comment about paying upfront — You have to pay upfront for college, too. (Or at least I did, but my last degree was in 2012).
The so-called teacher shortage is created by a variety of factors that have driven teachers out of the classroom. I’m sorry you have difficulties getting a degree, but most of us do.
Most university programs are accredited.
Did you have to student teach yet with ABCTE? I’m from the old school that believes student teaching is critical.