The Two Types of Tests Written in the NBTS
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) offers two types of written tests as part of its certification process: the Content Knowledge (CK) assessment and the Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) assessment. These tests are designed to evaluate a teacher’s knowledge and skills in their specific content area and their ability to teach effectively.
Content Knowledge (CK) Assessment
The CK assessment measures a teacher’s knowledge of the subject matter they teach. The test is divided into two parts:
- Part 1: Multiple-choice questions that assess a teacher’s knowledge of the core concepts and principles of their subject area.
- Part 2: Constructed-response questions that require teachers to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world teaching situations.
The CK assessment is designed to ensure that teachers have a deep understanding of the content they teach. This knowledge is essential for effective teaching, as it allows teachers to present the material in a clear and engaging way and to answer students’ questions accurately.
Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) Assessment
The PK assessment measures a teacher’s knowledge of teaching methods and strategies. The test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Multiple-choice questions that assess a teacher’s knowledge of general teaching principles, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment.
- Part 2: Constructed-response questions that require teachers to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of teaching methods to specific teaching situations.
- Part 3: A performance-based assessment that requires teachers to plan and teach a lesson to a group of students.
The PK assessment is designed to ensure that teachers have the skills and knowledge necessary to create effective learning environments for their students. This knowledge is essential for effective teaching, as it allows teachers to adapt their teaching to the needs of their students and to create lessons that are engaging and effective.
Comparison of the CK and PK Assessments
The CK and PK assessments are both designed to evaluate a teacher’s knowledge and skills, but they focus on different aspects of teaching. The CK assessment focuses on a teacher’s knowledge of the subject matter they teach, while the PK assessment focuses on a teacher’s knowledge of teaching methods and strategies.
Both assessments are important for effective teaching. A teacher who has a deep understanding of the content they teach is better able to present the material in a clear and engaging way. A teacher who has a strong knowledge of teaching methods and strategies is better able to create effective learning environments for their students.
Conclusion
The NBPTS written tests are an important part of the certification process. These tests help to ensure that teachers have the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers. The CK assessment measures a teacher’s knowledge of the subject matter they teach, while the PK assessment measures a teacher’s knowledge of teaching methods and strategies. Both assessments are important for effective teaching, and they help to ensure that teachers are prepared to provide their students with a high-quality education.