The requirements for certification as an Early Adolescence/Generalist by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are organized into the following eleven standards. The standards have been ordered as they have to facilitate understanding, not to assign priorities. They are each important facets of the art and science of teaching, which often occur concurrently given the seamless quality of highly accomplished practice.

I. Knowledge of Young Adolescents
Accomplished generalists draw on their knowledge of early adolescent development and their relationships with students to understand and foster their students' knowledge, skills, interests, aspirations and values.

II. Knowledge of Subject Matter
Accomplished generalists draw on their knowledge of subject matter to establish goals and to facilitate student learning within and across the disciplines that comprise the middle grades curriculum.

III. Instructional Resources
Accomplished generalists select, adapt, create and use rich and varied resources.

IV. Learning Environment
Accomplished generalists establish a caring, stimulating, inclusive and safe community for learning where students take intellectual risks and work independently and collaboratively.

V. Meaningful Learning
Accomplished generalists require students to confront, explore and understand important and challenging concepts, topics and issues in purposeful ways.

VI. Multiple Paths to Knowledge
Accomplished generalists use a variety of approaches to help students build knowledge and strengthen understanding.

VII. Social Development
Accomplished generalists foster students' self-awareness, self-esteem, character, civic responsibility and respect for diverse individuals and groups.

VIII. Assessment
Accomplished generalists employ a variety of assessment methods to obtain useful information about student learning and development and to assist students in reþecting on their own progress.

IX. Reþective Practice
Accomplished generalists regularly analyze, evaluate and strengthen the effectiveness and quality of their practice.

X. Family Partnerships
Accomplished generalists work with families to achieve common goals for the education of their children.

XI. Collaboration with Colleagues
Accomplished generalists work with colleagues to improve schools and to advance knowledge and practice in their Þeld.