NSTA / NCATE Reviewers

Here is what reviewers say:

Kurtis Koll says: “Science education faculty probably have one goal in mind and that is to produce (prepare) quality science teachers. Allowing for individuality among institutions, this process also brings consistency to the various programs.”

Albert Hayward says: “It has helped me and my students. It also assures me that the Science Education Communities are consistent.”

Rahmona Thompson says: “Reviewing exposes me to other peoples ideas and standards for preparing science educators. This in turn helps me do a better job evaluating my program.”

Reviewers make the NSTA program recognition system possible. It is the work of quality reviewers that supports the goal to have high standards for all science teacher preparation programs.

Call for Reviewers

The National Science Teachers Association is soliciting experienced science teachers/educators to serve as NSTA-appointed reviewers to recognize science teacher preparation programs. A Reviewer Training Workshop will be conducted at the ASTE Annual Conference, January 7, 2009, (Hartford, Connecticut) from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Your application is welcome.

Download an application (PDF) »

This an excellent opportunity to see what other programs are doing, as well as to engage in current reform efforts.

Reviews are conducted electronically by teams of two or three reviewers, twice a year. Your responsibility as a reviewer would be to evaluate college and university science teacher preparation programs seeking NCATE recognition, using the NSTA Standards for Science Teacher Preparation.

The term of service is three years, renewable, based on performance and need, and is an unpaid service commitment. The time required averages one day, twice a year.

Reviewers should have at least two years of experience in preservice science teacher preparation, a working knowledge of teacher preparation and performance assessment at the college or university level, and be from an NSTA-recognized program.

Resources for Reviewers

Here are some forms and documents to help you when reviewing programs.

1. NSTA Standards and Assessment Chart (PDF)—to show which NSTA standards are to be included in each assessment. Please use and fill in when reviewing.
2. NSTA Assessments Matrix (PDF)—one line descriptions of NSTA standards.
3. Flowchart for Feedback to Programs (PDF)—use to help guide how to give feedback.
4. Sample Generic University Review (PDF) (using the NCATE PRS system on the web).
5. Program Recognition Criteria (Word document)
6. Decision-making and Reviewer Feedback to Programs (Word document)

Reviewer updates

Online updates occur at least twice per year. Below are slides from those updates.

• Reviewer Renewal Workshop (PDF). The target audience is reviewers that have not reviewed for 12 months or more.
• Reviewer Update, October 2007 (PDF)
• Reviewer Update, February 2008 (PDF)