Deregulation and Teacher Quality: Educator Preparation Programs React to Removing the EdTPA

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Terms of Service: Teacher Policy, Contracts, and Governance

Abstract

In 2022, New Jersey removed the edTPA as a statewide requirement for teacher certification. Subsequently, each educator preparation program (EPP) was responsible for performance-based assessment to evaluate their own candidates. We interviewed representatives from the majority of New Jersey EPPs, asking: How do teacher educators experience this policy shift? We found that while the state framed the policy change as a response to teacher shortages, EPPs experienced edTPA removal as a positive change, but not because it had a meaningful impact on program enrollment or completion. Rather, EPPs felt that increased autonomy over teacher assessment strengthened teacher quality across the state by 1) improving program curricula and student experiences, and 2) making decisions about teacher readiness more valid.

Authors

• Rachel Garver, Montclair State University

• Emily M. Hodge, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Drew H. Gitomer, Rutgers University

• Colleen McDermott, Rutgers University