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Performance

ANNOUNCEMENT: In April 2021, the Washington Legislature approved state law, 2SHB 1028, eliminating the edTPA as a state requirement for teacher certification. The PESB board will provide additional guidance and clarity for policy implementation and preparation program review in the coming months. Read our program FAQ to learn more.

The edTPA is a portfolio-based performance assessment used by teacher preparation programs to assess how teacher candidates plan and teach lessons, exhibit culturally responsive instruction, and demonstrate approaches to differentiate student needs. The edTPA provides an opportunity for prospective teachers to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to help all students learn in real classrooms.

The edTPA website provides information about registration, fees, and faculty resources. You can find additional resources on our edTPA resources page.

Following the passing of 2SHB1028, PESB-approved teacher preparation programs can now recommend candidates who have met all program completion requirements, with the exception of the edTPA, for a residency teacher certificate.

What about candidates who did not pass the edTPA in previous years?

For the 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 academic years, programs must recommend candidates for residency teacher certification that did not pass the edTPA, but did meet all other program completion requirements.For academic years prior to 2019, programs may recommend candidates for residency teacher certification that did not pass the edTPA, but did meet all other program completion requirements.

Can a program continue using the edTPA?

Yes, a program may choose to continue using the edTPA as a formative tool as long as they include this information in all program descriptions. Programs would be able to set their own requirements for the assessment, such as timelines.

What are programs required to share with candidates prior to admission?

PESB already requires programs to “articulate clear expectations for program completion to applicants and candidates.” The new state law enhances this requirement by stating, “Each board-approved teacher preparation program must publish, and provide to candidates prior to admission, a list of program completion requirements.”

PESB also requires that prior to recommendation, programs ensure candidates demonstrate the inTASC standards, incorporate the SEL standards, and are prepared to exhibit the knowledge and skills of culturally responsive educators. The new state law reiterates these requirements.

Multiple measures

During the 2020-21 academic year, PESB offered a multiple measures pilot to offer greater flexibility for educator candidates to meet the performance assessment requirement. This pilot helped reduce barriers and allowed for more equitable pathways into the teaching profession. Learn about the multiple measures pilot.

Who scores edTPA portfolios?

Educator candidates must submit a portfolio of materials, including video recordings of themselves in a real classroom, to be scored by highly trained educators. Teachers and faculty members have the opportunity to earn up to 20 clock hours per year from scoring edTPA portfolios (WAC). See the clock hour form.

Clock hours for scorers:

  • 10 clock hours will be awarded per four portfolios scored
    10 clock hours will be awarded for completing the scorer training

Information for programs

edTPA coordinators

Educator preparation program providers need to assign a coordinator(s) to serve as the central point of contact for receiving information about edTPA including assessment materials, handbooks, rubrics, distribution instructions, etc. Learn more about edTPA coordinators.

Vouchers

Each program is allocated a certain number of test vouchers for candidates, covering full or partial registration fees and preparation resources. Programs have the option to purchase additional vouchers. Learn more about establishing candidate fees and purchasing vouchers (login required).

Teacher placement

Programs may want to consider best practices when placing candidates in an educational setting to complete the edTPA. See below for resources and guidance on edTPA placements.