"A Poisoned Well?" Early Career Music Educators' Perceptions of the edTPA

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Topics in Music Education Policy

Abstract

The edTPA’s is among the most widely adopted high stakes assessments required for preservice educators as part of state teacher licensure. This study study examines the edTPA through the experiences and reflections of inservice, early-career music educators who have succesfully completed the exam. We explore the edTPA using a framework of prior critiques of the assessment and the research and scholarship informing the construction of the exam. Preliminary results show a diversity of responses. Overall themes suggest participants had a skeptical or critical orientation to the exam and a limited understanding of the teaching practices and beliefs that the exam promotes are minimally influencing the participants’ professional practice.

Authors

• Emmett James O'Leary, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Mark Robin Campbell, SUNY - College at Potsdam