The Effective Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Master's Degree Program and Preparation of Teachers for National Board Certification

Abstract

The purpose of this study is twofold: (a) to explore the theoretical and practical implications for professionalizing teaching through National Board Certification (NBG); (b) to examine the connections between the Effective Teaching, Learning, and Leadership (ETLL) Program at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, and NB core propositions. The ETLL survey portion of this study was conducted in the spring of 1999 with participants who were currently enrolled, or had graduated from the program. The subjects were asked to rate the ETLL Program based upon core course objectives, its effectiveness and applicability to their classroom situation, their perceptions about the NBC movement and their suggestions for ways to improve or refine the ETLL degree program. The survey results were tested using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 6.1. Results indicated few statistically significant differences among survey items. Participants perceptions of the ETLL Program indicated that the cohorts were positive in their overall ratings of the program. Recommendations for revising and refining the ETLL Program to support NBC core propositions are included.