by Bob Lasiewicz, Managing Director, Crossroads of Learning
NTA’s online certification program now comes in seven new flavors. The Comprehensive "Tutoring Foundations" training program remains the flagship offering, which leads directly to NTA Level I Advanced certification. Beginning this Spring, a new flexible menu was launched to serve smaller appetites. Tutors can now enroll in separate Level I Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced modules. Also new is the assessment program of tutor skills testing, at these same levels. All options satisfy the knowledge requirements for respective NTA Level I certifications.
“The Comprehensive training program is the full banquet for those seeking a thorough grounding and Level I Advanced certification," noted Bob Lasiewicz, Managing Director at Crossroads of Learning, the developer and host of the training and testing. "We found, however, that there are many other tutors and learning center directors out there who wanted an ala carte menu and shorter time commitments at each stage. We also prepared a solution for those experienced tutors who want to qualify for certification through skills testing.”
The "Tutoring Foundations" comprehensive program (requiring an estimated 45 – 60 hours of learner time) can now be taken in three sequential modules that provide the academic component of Level I Basic, Intermediate and Advanced certification (15 – 20 hours each.) All training options provide continuous exchange between a Master Tutor and each learner, mastery based study tools, with all materials included.
The "Tutor Skills Tests" offer the opportunity for experienced tutors to take an online eight question essay exam (two hours allowed) whenever it is convenient. The test covers key tutoring concepts and techniques covered at each training level, but is not directly related to the "Tutoring Foundations" content itself. An essay approach was chosen in order to respect the variety of registrants backgrounds and experience. Every exam is reviewed by an NTA Master Tutor and an analysis accompanies the pass/fail result.
A popular option also allows academic and commercial Learning Centers to qualify for preferred pricing on training and tests, at from 6% to 17% savings. They may also apply for streamlined and reduced-cost NTA certification, as low as $25 per application. "It’s never been easier or less expensive for learning centers to certify or train their staff," added Dr. Ayaz, NTA Executive Director. "From freshman peer tutors to Ph.D. center directors, our thorough, self-paced course adapts to the learner. This is possible through a steady stream of reflective, case study, and integrative assignments and quizzes that move between learner and mentor. The NTA and Fielding Graduate University were actively involved at every step in development of these programs, and it shows."
Those interested in professional development Continuing Education Units (such as teachers maintaining their credentials) can secure them after successfully completing the training. These are offered through Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA. More information on training, skills testing and CEUs is available at www.crossroadsoflearning.com or 818.249.9692 ext 9002.
Note: In addition to the “Tutoring Foundations” training and testing programs described above, Crossroads of Learning provides many free tutoring resources. Use the following links to explore the growing learning community; become an affiliate; read the professional Journal; visit the resource Library; or view a Tutoring Town Hall webcast. Please visit www.crossroadsoflearning.com for more information or send a message here.
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