Teacher Resources

Prepare, Support, & Inspire

A teacher’s role in credentialing is vital to student success. NOCTI is dedicated to supporting teachers as they educate CTE students and prepare them for successful careers. From choosing the right credentialing assessment to utilizing study guides, and interpreting score reports to put data to use, our resources guide teachers through every stage of the credentialing process.

Resources

Study Guides

  • Your roadmap for credential preparation, Study Guides can be used individually or in small groups. Teachers and students work together to build confidence and knowledge in preparation for completing a NOCTI credential. Each Study Guide package contains one Teacher Companion Guide, ten Student Study Guides, and ten user codes for accessing online sample questions.

Instructor Prep Packs

Available for all NOCTI skill-based credentials, Instructor Prep Packs prepare teachers for their role in the credentialing process. This resource includes a list of materials and supplies needed for skill-based administration, information on setting up the shop or lab for administration, and guidelines for administering both the knowledge-based and skill-based components.

Teacher Resource Center

Access the Teacher Resource Center for valuable resources such as Instructor Prep Packs, score reports, certificates, and more. To take full advantage of these resources, request that the NOCTI coordinator at your site provide access to the Teacher Resource Center. Once you’ve been added to the system, an automatic welcome email is sent with login credentials.

Webinars & Workshops

With the increasing demand for a skilled workforce, CTE teachers are more critical now than ever before. NOCTI offers webinars and workshops addressing common challenges and answering questions related to teaching career and technical education programs. View upcoming events and register for a webinar on our Events calendar.

A Teacher’s Role in Credentialing

Choosing the Right Credentialing Assessment

When selecting a credentialing assessment, teachers are encouraged to compare their current program, content, standards, or curriculum with the Blueprint provided for every title. These Blueprints provide specific core competencies that represent an occupational standard. If your state has a list of approved titles, refer to this list for the credential titles matching your program and review the corresponding Blueprint to become familiar with the credential content.

Preparing Students for Credentials

We encourage you to make use of NOCTI’s available resources. Blueprints can be used throughout the school year as a classroom syllabus and can also be sent home with students to share with parents. Study Guides include sample questions and provide an overall framework for teachers and students to work together and build confidence. Pre-testing can help identify areas that require more study before completing the program.

Engaging Parents

Research shows a strong connection between parent involvement and student achievement. It’s helpful to provide an explanation of the credentialing program so parents and guardians can encourage and support their students. Communication should include information on the selected credential, where to find the Blueprint, and when testing will occur, how pre-test scores will be used to gauge and improve student knowledge, how post test scores are used, and any recognition the student may receive based on their results. Teachers should be available to answer questions and help parents and students understand the credentialing process and how it is integrated with the program or course.

Administering a Pre-Test

Pre-tests determine a student’s knowledge at a certain point in time and pinpoint areas that require additional instruction. When combined with post-test data, individual student improvement and overall program effectiveness can be measured. There are a few different options on when to administer a pre-test (at the beginning of a program, several times during a multi-year program, etc). Contact your NOCTI Site Coordinator to discuss the best option for your students.

Accommodations

NOCTI offers a variety of tools to accommodate students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). We recommend following IEP recommendations for a quality testing experience that provides the most benefit to students, teachers, and administrators. Teachers should work with administration and the NOCTI coordinator at the site to ensure each student with an IEP receives the necessary accommodations.

Interpreting Score Reports

The NOCTI score reports provide valuable information for recognizing student achievement, promoting continuous program and instructional improvement, and meeting regulatory requirements. Scores include Group Scores, Competency Reports, Analysis of Scores Report, Integrated Academics Summary Report, and Individual Score Reports. Score reports are provided to teachers in PDF or Excel format by the school’s Site Coordinator. Teachers should be available to discuss scores with parents and students.

Engaging Your Network

Helping local business and industry understand the importance of credentials is crucial if students are to succeed beyond the classroom. Ask your network if they would be interested in an employee that has demonstrated knowledge of the key areas of the occupation. This question is a great way to start a conversation about NOCTI and to transition into a discussion of the Blueprints. Sharing information with advisory committee members will help them realize the credential is an accurate reflection of the occupations. Provide members with an opportunity to serve as evaluators on any upcoming skill-based assessment administration. Emphasize the importance of requesting NOCTI credentials as part of their selection process during hiring, particularly for any former CTE student.