NBPTS EC Music case studies
NBPTS EC Music · Put your knowledge to work in context.
National Board Certification is a professional credential offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), described by the organization as "the most respected professional certification available in education." It was designed to develop, retain, and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. This page supports candidates pursuing certification in the Music certificate area, which spans teaching music to students from early childhood through young adulthood. The NBPTS EC Music case studies are 5 cases and about 3,798 words.
1Steady Beat in a Mixed-Age Head Start Class
You teach music twice weekly at a Head Start center to a class of 16 children aged 3 years 4 months to 4 years 11 months; each session is 30 minutes and you have a part-time aide. Your state early-learning standards require that children "demonstrate steady beat through locomotor movement," and your program documents each child's beat competence once per quarter with anecdotal notes and a photo for the portfolio.
781 words, about 4 min2Diagnosing Squeaks and Differentiating a Fourth-Grade Recorder Class
You teach general music to four 4th-grade classes of 26 students each, 40 minutes once a week, in a Title I elementary school. Recorders arrived three weeks ago, and the district curriculum expects accurate B, A, and G with correct tonguing by week six.
772 words, about 4 min3Voice Placement and Repertoire in a Middle School Chorus
You direct the 7th–8th grade chorus: 42 singers, 24 girls and 18 boys, meeting 45 minutes every other day. The winter concert is six weeks away, and the principal has programmed a three-part SAB set.
755 words, about 4 min4Time and Texture in a High School Jazz Ensemble
You direct the high school jazz ensemble: 19 players - five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and vibes - rehearsing 50 minutes daily. In three weeks the band adjudicates at a state festival on three charts, one of them a fast swing tune at quarter note = 240.
732 words, about 4 min5Repertoire and Participation Design for a Kindergarten Sing-Along
You teach music to three kindergarten classes of 20 at a public elementary school, 30 minutes twice a week. The winter family sing-along is four weeks away, and each class performs two songs.
758 words, about 4 min