Research

The Bottom Line: Impact on Student Achievement and Learning

The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies report affirms many of the positive findings by other research into National Board Certification. According to the rigorous and comprehensive report, NBPTS has had a positive impact on student achievement, teacher retention, and professional development.

Independent studies show students of NBCTs do better on standardized tests than students of non-NBCTs.

Putting National Board Certification and Other NBPTS Programs to the Test

From the inception of the National Board nearly 25 years ago, NBPTS and others have sought to understand the impact of its certification process on teachers, as well as the impact of National Board Certified Teachers on students and schools.

Over the years, the vast majority of NBPTS studies found National Board Certified Teachers make a significantly measurable impact on teacher performance and student learning, engagement and achievement. Other, more recent, state studies continue to find positive connections relating to National Board Certification, other NBPTS programs, teaching excellence and student learning.

Impact of National Board Certification on Teacher Practice and Schools

Research is consistently positive about the impact of National Board Certification on improvements to teacher practice, professional development and areas of school improvement that are critical to raising student achievement. 

Aiding Our Understanding of the Process

All of the research contributes to understanding and improving the National Board Certification process. Yet, it is misleading to draw major conclusions about the overall value and impact of National Board Certification based solely on individual studies. No single study or small group of studies can effectively describe the range of impact of the National Board Certification process.