My Aim at Detangling the TPA

This week I was on a quest towards putting the TPA into my own language, so that my followers and I fully understand the assignment. A simple posting of how California defines the TPA is not enough, nor does it make any real sense to the average student. In doing two hours of online research and looking at many word documents, pdf files, and grading rubics, I feel that I have failed to achieve this goal of detangling the TPA. Lets face it, anything the state posts on their website is going to be full of so much lingo it will make your head spin after reading what is suppose to be a simple paragraph. Although I feel that I truly need a professor by my side to guide me and explain the outlining of the TPA process, I have gathered some information that I feel is essential towards just understanding the TPA on a very fundamental and basic level. Listed below is some information I have detangled and put into my own language. After reading it, I hope that you understand the bases of the Assessment.

First off we all want to know why we were graced with this wonderful assignment?

Well it turns out that the assessment is geared towards improving teacher quality, which will improve public education. Prior assessments were done by standardize testing future Teachers. The state learned that just because a teacher could pass a test this does not mean that they teacher effectively. I totally agree with this thinking. We have all had teachers and professors in the past that are truly brilliant; however, sharing their brilliance with a classroom seemed to not be their forte. I think it is wise that we are training to become effective teachers. Public education will improve if we start at the top and improve our educators.

I am onboard with California’s thinking!

Next, some of us want to know who exactly formed the TPA ?

The American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE), the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), and Stanford University formed a partnership, which in turn created the TPA.

There are two basic Compartments to the TPA; can you break them down for me so that I have understanding?

Here is a graphic organizer that explains the two compartments. Remember this is just a very basic outlining of what the assignment aims at achieving.

Well my quest still continues! I need to get a better understanding of what we actually have to write up! Wish me luck....

What is the TPA?

california dEFINES THE tpa

"As of July 2008, California statute (Chap. 517, Stats. 2006) requires all candidates for a preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential to pass an assessment of their teaching performance with K-12 public school students as part of the requirements for earning a teaching credential. This assessment of teaching performance is designed to measure the candidate's knowledge, skills and ability with relation to California's Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs), including demonstrating his/her ability to appropriately instruct all K-12 students in the Student Academic Content Standards. Each of the three approved teaching performance assessment models requires a candidate to complete defined tasks relating to subject-specific pedagogy, designing and implementing instruction and student assessment, and a culminating teaching experience or event. When taken as a whole, teaching performance assessment tasks/activities multiply measure the TPEs. Candidate performances are scored by trained assessors against one or more rubrics that describe levels of performance relative to each task/activity. Each model must also meet and maintain specified standards of assessment reliability, validity, and fairness to candidates. All candidates who start a Commission-approved multiple and single subject teacher preparation program as of July 1, 2008 must meet the teaching performance assessment requirement."

STUDENT EXPLAINS HOW HE FEELS TOWARDS THE TPA

Assignment #1:

Explain your Technology Experience-

Most of my technology experience has been self taught through personal exploration. In fact, the last technology course I took was in high school and it basically covered the fundamentals of using a computer. Although I haven't received any other formal instruction on technology, I find myself pretty comfortable using its multiple interfaces. I have a Mac at home and grew up using a PC. Having the knowledge of both systems has really served as a benefit throughout my years in college, and has made me feel comfortable using emerging technology. Regularly I do not experience any sort of anxiety while learning how a new program works on a computer; however, I do tend to get frustrated when I cannot figure out how something works. Overall, I love using technology because I value programs that call for creativity and design.

Explain your Educational Experience-

Throughout my years in undergrad, I had the chance to work with students coming from a variety of different levels and volunteer in a number of classrooms. The last two years at San Diego State, I worked for my psychology professors and tutored his clients' children that came to his private practice. Most of his clients that I tutored were of the middle school age and had some sort of learning disability. After I graduated, I wanted to take some time off from my own schooling and gain some experience in the classroom. Last year, I got hired by Encinitas Unified and spent the year working in a K-6 Special Education classroom. I taught fifth grade Math and fourth grade Language Arts. I also substituted on my days off. Now that I have gained some experience in the school district, I have learned that I enjoy working with upper Elementary students (4-7). I am excited to be starting the teaching credential in August, and I am eagered to learn how to become a more effective teacher.

What you hope to get out of ED422-

I hope to obtain a broader knowledge in technology after taking Ed422. I would like to learn multiple ways a teacher can encompass technology into the classroom. I hope to understand how it improves a student's education and see the benefits towards having technology driven lessons. I also want to learn more about making videos because I know the we will need this knowledge while working on our TPA. Lastly, I am excited to learn how to build websites. I feel that students stay more informed and are more likely to stay on track when they have the ability to "reach the classroom" from their own homes. All of these skills I am ready and excited to learn about.

Going Forward:

The following blogs for this class will relate to the TPA (Teacher Performance Assessment). I decided to do my blog on the TPA because I want to learn more about why the TPA was started. I also hope that this blog turns into a site where students in the program can go to if they have any questions, comments, concerns, or just need to vent about the TPA. My goal is to make the TPA more clear and less stressful!

(Keep connected during the TPA!)