ATLAS: Accomplished Teaching, Learning and Schools
ATLAS is a virtual library of portfolio submissions from National Board Certified Teachers in the previous version of the certification assessment. Each submission (submissions are called cases) includes a video clip, and written commentary from the teacher. The commentary has an instructional context, planning analysis, and reflection section as well as instructional materials.
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ATLAS is a purchased subscription. For more information or to sign up for a 30-day free trial, visit the ATLAS website.
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Benefits of ATLAS
Public Teaching Practice
ATLAS helps break down classroom walls, making accomplished practice public. When discussing cases together, teachers get more comfortable sharing their own practice with colleagues. |
Commentary and Reflection
Often with observations, we rarely get to have in-depth conversations about each instructional decision, or an analysis of impact. Through the written commentary, we see more than the classroom; we see inside the teacher's mind. |
Diversity and Relatability
With over 1,000 cases from across the country that can be searched by demographic, topic, setting, or framework, there are cases for nearly every context. |
Background Information
Norms
In addition to our typical KY NBPL Community norms, during ATLAS conversations, we recommend adding a respect norm. If not careful, ATLAS viewing can decrease trust and making instruction practice public. |
Scoring
All cases in ATLAS received at least a 3.5 on a 4. scale in double-blind scoring. However, it is important to note that the written commentary is what is scored, not the video. The video is used as evidence to support the written commentary. |
Ethics
ATLAS cases should never be "scored" or rated using rubrics or frameworks. However, ATLAS cases can be used in the professional learning or any educator, including candidates. When working with candidates, it is important that ATLAS cases NOT be used to suggest how to achieve certification (i.e., "do what this teacher did..."). |
Getting Started
Searching
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Start Small
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Focus
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Planning Documents
Oldham County ATLAS Planning Protocol
This protocol has been field tested and modified across multiple schools, districts, and states. It supports connecting ATLAS cases to other National Board resources. |
Facilitator Case Considerations
For those newer to ATLAS facilitation, this planning document helps to break down case considerations using the steps of the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching, with additional prompts specific to ATLAS. |
Facilitation Examples
Professional Learning Community Conversation Frameworks from New York NT3: Facilitator's Guide to Exploring Accomplished Practice |
Model Case Analysis: Equity as a Problem of Practice |
Network Support
Examples from Kentucky
Brett Criswell
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Allen Elementary
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Mini-observations
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