What is a National Board Permission Slip Form and Its Importance?

Definition & Meaning

A National Board Permission Slip Form is a legal document required by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). This form is essential for teachers seeking certification, as it grants permission from parents or guardians, and adult students, to use students' images, voices, and work samples in video recordings and portfolio submissions. The form ensures compliance with privacy laws and copyright regulations while documenting the teacher's professional practice.

How to Use the National Board Permission Slip

To effectively use the National Board Permission Slip, teachers need to follow a structured approach:

• Distribute the Form: Provide the form to parents or guardians of students involved in the certification process. Ensure it is accessible and easy to understand.
• Collect Signatures: Gather completed forms from parents, guardians, and adult students, ensuring all necessary signatures are obtained.
• Maintain Records: Keep a copy of each signed form for documentation purposes. This is crucial for compliance and future reference.
• Submit with Portfolio: Include the signed forms as part of the certification portfolio submitted to the NBPTS.

How to Obtain the National Board Permission Slip

Obtaining the National Board Permission Slip is straightforward. Teachers can access the form through the following methods:

• Online Resources: Visit the official NBPTS website or educational resource platforms that provide downloadable versions of the permission slip.
• School Administration: Request the form from school administrators or the district office, which may have standardized versions available.
• Professional Development Workshops: Attend workshops or training sessions focused on the National Board certification process, where the form may be distributed.

How to Fill Out the National Board Permission Slip

Filling out the National Board Permission Slip requires attention to detail. Here are the steps:

• Identify the Student: Enter the full name of the student whose work or image will be used.
• Provide Parent/Guardian Information: Include the name and contact details of the parent or guardian signing the form.
• Specify Permissions: Indicate what permissions are being granted, such as the use of images, videos, or work samples.
• Sign and Date: Ensure the parent or guardian signs and dates the form, confirming their consent.

Key Elements of the National Board Permission Slip

The National Board Permission Slip contains several critical elements:

• Student Information: Name and grade level of the student.
• Parent/Guardian Consent: A section for the parent or guardian to provide consent for the use of the student’s likeness and work.
• Clarification of Use: Details on how the materials will be used, ensuring transparency.
• Non-Disclosure of Last Names: A statement indicating that students' last names will not be used in submitted materials.

Who Typically Uses the National Board Permission Slip

The National Board Permission Slip is primarily used by:

• Teachers: Educators pursuing National Board certification need to gather permissions from students and their families.
• School Administrators: They may oversee the collection of these forms to ensure compliance and support teachers in the certification process.
• Students: Adult students who are part of the certification process must also provide their consent.

Legal Use of the National Board Permission Slip

Using the National Board Permission Slip legally involves understanding several key aspects:

• Compliance with Privacy Laws: The form helps ensure that all uses of student materials comply with federal and state privacy regulations, such as FERPA.
• Copyright Considerations: By obtaining permission, teachers protect themselves from potential copyright infringements related to the use of student work.
• Documentation for Audits: Signed forms serve as legal documentation that can be referenced in case of disputes or audits.

Examples of Using the National Board Permission Slip

Here are practical examples of how the National Board Permission Slip is utilized:

• Video Submissions: A teacher records classroom activities for their portfolio and uses the permission slip to ensure all participating students have consented.
• Work Samples: When submitting student essays or projects as part of a certification portfolio, the teacher collects permissions to include these works.
• Presentations: If a teacher plans to showcase student work at a conference, they ensure permissions are in place to respect student privacy.