Understanding the Implementation of Performance Assessments in Teacher Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Performance Assessments: Comparing Benefits and Drawbacks

Abstract

edTPA is a high-stakes performance assessment required for teacher licensure by more than 500 institutions. The broad embrace of edTPA has occurred despite scant research on its implementation. This study begins addressing this by analyzing how edTPA is implemented at a large, public university. We draw on surveys and interviews with teaching candidates, teacher educators, university supervisors (n=272) to better understand how these stakeholders understand the goals of edTPA, and its influence on teacher preparation. Data paint a diverse picture of edTPA’s strengths and weaknesses. Teacher educators emphasize edTPA not only necessitates restructuring curriculum and field experiences, but also raises questions regarding who is prepared to teach, and the content and character of professionalism in teaching.

Authors

• Julie Jackson Cohen, University of Virginia

• Ethan L Hutt, University of Maryland - College Park

• Jessica Gottlieb, University of Notre Dame