Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation.
— Robert H. Schuller
The Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) was operationally launched in fall 2013 and, since then, has been widely used in teacher preparation. This performance-based assessment is designed to measure the classroom practice of teacher candidates. As part of the edTPA process, teacher candidates submit a portfolio that includes artifacts, video of their instruction – typically captured during student teaching – and a commentary that critically analyzes aspects of their practice: planning, instruction, and assessment. In turn, the edTPA submissions are evaluated against a set of scoring rubrics. The edTPA is now being used in more than 750 preparation programs in 40 states and the District of Columbia (SCALE, 2019). In many states, as part of a statewide certification policy, passing the edTPA is consequential to receiving teacher licensure.
Because of the growing importance and consequential-nature of the edTPA, teacher candidates would benefit from planning and organizing for this assessment early in their teacher preparation. Additional edTPA-specific strategies are offered in the student teaching section of Pathway to Teaching. The overall strategies curated in Pathway to Teaching stem from multiple sources: teacher candidates that have successfully completed the edTPA, edTPA assessors, university field supervisors, SCALE resources, and more. The edTPA strategies offered here are not exhaustive, yet will serve as another resource to guide you through the process and, hopefully, maximize the effort and success you have in completing the edTPA.
Prepare with the End in Mind
Dr. Stephen Covey, the best-selling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, remarked, “To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you are going so that you better understand where you are now and that the steps you take are always in the right direction.”
This same advice is applicable when preparing yourself for the edTPA. Having the ‘end in mind’ allows you to know the edTPA expectations. For example, by reviewing the edTPA expectations you will begin to better understand what is required to score a 4 or 5 on any given scoring rubric. By preparing early on, you gain insight into your strengths and gaps in understanding related to the edTPA expectations. For instance, you may realize you do not know how to achieve a 4 or 5 on a specific rubric. That awareness will help you as you progress through the teacher training. You are more likely to make connections between your teacher preparation coursework and practicum to the edTPA – hopefully leveraging your strengths and closing those knowledge gaps so you will be more successful in completing the assessment.
Access and Review edTPA Materials
To develop ‘a clear understanding’, first, gather the necessary resources that provide the edTPA expectations. Generally, teacher candidates may access the resources via their teacher preparation program. The recommended resources are 1) the assessment handbook, 2) the Rubric Level Progressions booklet, and 3) the candidate support resource called Making Good Choices. Be sure to double-check that you have the correct handbook and it’s the latest edition.
Next, review all three resources as early as possible. If lack of time is an issue, I recommend starting with the Understanding Rubric Level Progressions. This resource unpacks the expectations for each edTPA. One former teacher candidate commented, “Absolutely have the Rubric Level Progressions and use them religiously. You have to know where you're aiming.”
“Absolutely have the Rubric Level Progressions and use them religiously. You have to know where you're aiming.”
It is further suggested that you take notes, writing down big takeaways and lingering questions. These notes will be a good way to keep yourself engaged as you read through the resources and serve as a parking lot for questions that you will eventually want to be addressed. Also, revisit these resources throughout your training to track your growth towards meeting the edTPA expectations. Finally, in the book Pathway to Teaching: A Guide to Teaching Training, Student Teaching, and Finding a Job additional edTPA tips are provided to guide you through the planning, writing, and video-taping process while you are student teaching.
Pathway to Teaching
Themes of differentiation, networking, and organization are interwoven throughout Pathway to Teaching and aim to better prepare the soon-to-be teacher at each step. The strategies address a range of pressing topics for teacher candidates that include preparing for the edTPA™ – a nationwide teacher assessment – to providing classroom management techniques during student teaching to ideas on self-care. Pathway to Teaching also supports the aspiring teachers in finding their dream teaching job through strategies on building a professional network to preparing for that all-important job interview.
