edTPA

I readily admit that as a future teacher the edTPA terrifies me.  This is an assessment which must be passed by all Washington education students.  It includes written lesson plan units with in depth commentary, a self assessment at the end with a focus on how to better instruction should you teach the same lesson again, and a video of specific clips of the actual instruction within the classroom.  The scope of the project is vast and daunting to someone who is just starting out.  Though I have been assured that I will be thoroughly prepared for this assessment by the time it comes around.  The text I'm speaking about today is a support guide for the edTPA so that candidates can make better choices.  I admit that it is helpful to receive a pamphlet like this one, where specifics of what the assessors will be looking for in judging the edTPA are given.

I am aware that there are more in depth aspects to the edTPA that are simply implied in this particular text, but I still feel a little better prepared.  A perfect example of this is the fact that this text answered at least one of my questions about what would be required of a student teacher who was restricted by a school which specified lessons and how they should be taught.  This containment that I have heard of being used by some school and/or districts left me to wonder how a student teacher was to prove their own teaching skills on the edTPA.  This text informed me that it is still possible.  That in the commentary I can address how I "selected or modified curriculum materials with [my] students' background and needs in mind, and how [I] adapted a lesson to meet [my] students' learning needs, and/or how [I] made accommodations for particular students' needs."  I have not yet been placed in a school, so I am unaware if I will need to worry about a set curriculum or not.  It was simply nice to know that if I should come across it, I have options.  These options can also apply to my future and the chance that I might find a teaching position in a school which has a set curriculum.  Even in an environment such as that, a teacher still has some autonomy to make sure the material is suited to her class.

I also appreciated that advice that when it comes to the video portion of the edTPA an expensive video camera is not actually necessary.  And the best way to know if the camera you use will record a clear enough picture and sound is to test it.  I had not considered this before.  The text's claim that a trial run will not only help me to understand the mechanics of the picture and sound, but will allow my students to become more comfortable around the equipment is a brilliant idea.  I know how I react when I'm faced with a camera, even when I've been warned.  If my students are anything like me, they would feel shy and become far more quiet than they normally would.  This would be counter productive to my needs in the edTPA.  A trial run is simply a good idea all the way around!