Learning Together
by Stephanie Capalbo

Stephanie Capalbo is working toward National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist.

August 18, 2003

With my computer woes behind me, and revisions begun on my accomplishments entry, I began to focus my energy on preparing for the Assessment Center tests. Of course, my first thought was: "How do I study for this?"

Each of my colleagues has an idea of how to begin studying. They have lists of books to buy, Internet sites to check out, educational magazines to peruse and, of course, the downloaded NBPTS materials on the Assessment Center to scrutinize.

I have pulled out back issues of Young Child -- which I receive as a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) -- that highlight developmental practices and strategies. I purchased E.D. Hirsch's series of books, "What Your Kindergartner (1st, 2nd, 3rd Grader) Should Know." Another candidate recommended a book detailing the developmental stages of children ages 3-8 that would help refresh my knowledge of theories of play and learning associated with preschoolers.

As I read, I take notes on the "Big Ideas" I find. I also have found a colleague in another district who is working towards the same Early Childhood Generalist Certification that I am. Having another person in my certification area with whom to study, review work, and provide mutual emotional support will be immensely helpful over the next six months. Being able to study together for the Assessment Center tests reminds me of a quote by William Glasser: "We learn 10 percent of what we read, 20 percent of what we hear, 30 percent of what we see, 50 percent of what we see and hear, 70 percent of what we discuss with others, 80 percent of what we experience, and 95 percent of what we teach to someone." Wish me luck!

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Meet Stephanie Capalbo Stephanie Capalbo received a bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in elementary education from Rhode Island College in May 1995. She became certified in early childhood education in August 1997. For the past six years, Stephanie has been teaching kindergarten at Bradford Elementary School in Westerly, Rhode Island. In the fall of 2000, the kindergarten at Bradford became the first and only kindergarten in the district to receive accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In 2003, Stephanie was named Westerly's Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.

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