What is edTPA in Education: A Journey Through the Looking Glass of Teacher Preparation

The edTPA, or the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment, is a comprehensive, subject-specific assessment that aspiring teachers must complete to demonstrate their readiness for the classroom. It is a performance-based, subject-specific assessment and support system used by teacher preparation programs throughout the United States. The edTPA is designed to measure whether new teachers are ready for the job by evaluating their ability to plan, instruct, and assess student learning. But what does this mean in the grand tapestry of education, and how does it weave into the broader narrative of teacher preparation? Let’s dive into the multifaceted world of edTPA, exploring its purpose, structure, controversies, and impact on the educational landscape.

The Genesis of edTPA: A Response to the Call for Accountability

The edTPA was developed by Stanford University and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) in response to the growing demand for accountability in teacher preparation programs. The assessment was designed to ensure that teacher candidates are not only knowledgeable in their subject areas but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively in real classroom settings. The edTPA is aligned with the Common Core State Standards and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) standards, which outline what teachers should know and be able to do.

The assessment is divided into three main tasks: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment. Each task requires candidates to submit artifacts such as lesson plans, video recordings of their teaching, and student work samples, along with written commentaries that explain their instructional decisions and reflect on their teaching practices. These submissions are then scored by trained evaluators using a standardized rubric.

The Structure of edTPA: A Triad of Tasks

1. Planning for Instruction and Assessment

The first task of the edTPA requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to plan lessons that are aligned with state standards and tailored to the needs of their students. Candidates must submit a series of lesson plans, along with a commentary that explains how their plans address the learning objectives, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, and incorporate formative and summative assessments.

This task emphasizes the importance of backward design, where teachers start with the end goals in mind and plan their instruction accordingly. It also highlights the need for teachers to be reflective practitioners who can adapt their plans based on student needs and feedback.

2. Instructing and Engaging Students in Learning

The second task focuses on the candidate’s ability to deliver instruction that engages students and promotes learning. Candidates are required to submit video recordings of their teaching, along with a commentary that analyzes their instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and interactions with students.

This task underscores the importance of creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. It also highlights the need for teachers to use a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students.

3. Assessing Student Learning

The final task of the edTPA requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to assess student learning and use assessment data to inform their instruction. Candidates must submit student work samples, along with a commentary that explains how they analyzed the work, provided feedback to students, and used the assessment data to guide their future teaching.

This task emphasizes the importance of using assessments as a tool for learning, rather than just a measure of achievement. It also highlights the need for teachers to be data-driven decision-makers who can use assessment data to improve their instruction and support student growth.

The Controversies Surrounding edTPA: A Double-Edged Sword

While the edTPA has been praised for its rigorous approach to evaluating teacher readiness, it has also faced significant criticism from various stakeholders in the education community. Some of the key controversies surrounding the edTPA include:

1. High-Stakes Nature of the Assessment

One of the most common criticisms of the edTPA is its high-stakes nature. The assessment is often used as a gatekeeper for teacher certification, meaning that candidates who fail to meet the required score may be unable to obtain their teaching license. This has led to concerns about the fairness and validity of the assessment, particularly for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds who may face additional barriers to success.

2. Cost and Accessibility

The edTPA is a costly assessment, with fees ranging from $300 to $400 per submission. This can be a significant financial burden for teacher candidates, particularly those who are already struggling with the high cost of tuition and other expenses associated with teacher preparation programs. Additionally, the assessment requires access to technology and resources that may not be readily available to all candidates, further exacerbating issues of equity and accessibility.

3. Impact on Teacher Preparation Programs

The implementation of the edTPA has had a profound impact on teacher preparation programs, many of which have had to redesign their curricula and instructional practices to align with the assessment. While some programs have embraced the edTPA as a valuable tool for improving teacher quality, others have criticized it for being overly prescriptive and limiting the flexibility of teacher educators to design programs that meet the unique needs of their candidates.

4. Validity and Reliability of the Assessment

There are also concerns about the validity and reliability of the edTPA as a measure of teacher effectiveness. Critics argue that the assessment may not accurately capture the complexities of teaching and that the standardized scoring rubrics may not adequately account for the diverse contexts in which teachers work. Additionally, there is limited research on the long-term impact of the edTPA on teacher performance and student outcomes, raising questions about its effectiveness as a tool for improving teacher quality.

The Impact of edTPA on the Educational Landscape: A Mixed Bag

Despite the controversies, the edTPA has had a significant impact on the educational landscape, influencing both teacher preparation programs and the broader field of education. Some of the key impacts of the edTPA include:

1. Increased Focus on Reflective Practice

One of the positive outcomes of the edTPA is its emphasis on reflective practice. The assessment requires candidates to critically analyze their teaching practices and make evidence-based decisions to improve their instruction. This focus on reflection has the potential to foster a culture of continuous improvement among teachers, encouraging them to continually refine their practice and seek out new strategies to support student learning.

2. Greater Alignment with Standards

The edTPA has also contributed to greater alignment between teacher preparation programs and state and national standards. By requiring candidates to demonstrate their ability to plan, instruct, and assess in alignment with these standards, the assessment has helped to ensure that new teachers are well-prepared to meet the expectations of today’s classrooms.

3. Enhanced Collaboration Between Teacher Educators and Candidates

The edTPA has also fostered greater collaboration between teacher educators and candidates, as programs work to support candidates in meeting the demands of the assessment. This collaboration has the potential to strengthen the relationship between teacher preparation programs and their candidates, creating a more supportive and cohesive learning environment.

4. Challenges for Teacher Candidates

However, the edTPA has also presented significant challenges for teacher candidates, particularly those who are already juggling the demands of coursework, fieldwork, and other responsibilities. The assessment can be time-consuming and stressful, and candidates may struggle to balance the demands of the edTPA with their other commitments. Additionally, the high-stakes nature of the assessment can create anxiety and pressure, potentially undermining candidates’ confidence and well-being.

Conclusion: The edTPA as a Catalyst for Change

The edTPA is a complex and multifaceted assessment that has sparked both praise and criticism within the education community. While it has the potential to improve teacher quality and align teacher preparation programs with state and national standards, it also presents significant challenges for candidates and raises important questions about equity, accessibility, and the validity of the assessment.

As the education landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to critically examine the role of the edTPA in shaping the future of teacher preparation. By addressing the concerns and challenges associated with the assessment, and by continuing to refine and improve its design and implementation, the edTPA has the potential to serve as a powerful catalyst for change in the field of education.

Related Q&A

Q1: What is the purpose of the edTPA?

A1: The purpose of the edTPA is to assess the readiness of teacher candidates to enter the classroom by evaluating their ability to plan, instruct, and assess student learning. It is designed to ensure that new teachers are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s classrooms and to align teacher preparation programs with state and national standards.

Q2: How is the edTPA structured?

A2: The edTPA is structured into three main tasks: Planning for Instruction and Assessment, Instructing and Engaging Students in Learning, and Assessing Student Learning. Each task requires candidates to submit artifacts such as lesson plans, video recordings, and student work samples, along with written commentaries that explain their instructional decisions and reflect on their teaching practices.

Q3: What are some of the controversies surrounding the edTPA?

A3: Some of the controversies surrounding the edTPA include its high-stakes nature, cost and accessibility, impact on teacher preparation programs, and concerns about the validity and reliability of the assessment. Critics argue that the assessment may not accurately capture the complexities of teaching and that it may create additional barriers for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Q4: How has the edTPA impacted teacher preparation programs?

A4: The edTPA has had a significant impact on teacher preparation programs, many of which have had to redesign their curricula and instructional practices to align with the assessment. While some programs have embraced the edTPA as a valuable tool for improving teacher quality, others have criticized it for being overly prescriptive and limiting the flexibility of teacher educators to design programs that meet the unique needs of their candidates.

Q5: What are some of the positive outcomes of the edTPA?

A5: Some of the positive outcomes of the edTPA include an increased focus on reflective practice, greater alignment with state and national standards, and enhanced collaboration between teacher educators and candidates. The assessment has the potential to foster a culture of continuous improvement among teachers and to ensure that new teachers are well-prepared to meet the expectations of today’s classrooms.