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....
Brittany, I really like that you have chosen to research and write about the topic of TPA because I feel it is extremely relevant to all of us future teachers, and something that is very important for us to understand. Though some of my Professors have explained TPA, all their explanations have been a very brief overview of the topic, and they have all said that once you are in the teaching credential program TPA will make more sense, so don't worry about it right now. I definitely agree with you on the fact that just because someone can pass a test does not mean he or she will be an effective teacher. I think being trained to be effective teachers will be great for public education and I believe that this will all come together and make more sense once we are actually in the credential program.
ReplyDeleteElaborating on the subject and breaking it down, providing an organization chart helps us think more objectively about the TPA. I absolutely agree that teachers should have a passion for teaching, and that is what the promoters of TPA have obviously thought through. Exceptional teachers influence by their enthusiasm, caring about the subject matter, and going a step further to make sure students understand concepts.
ReplyDeleteBTW, if you keep going on like this, you'll have absolutely no problem with the TPA :)
This is a very good starting point. You stated that, "The state learned that just because a teacher could pass a test this does not mean that they teacher effectively." Similarly, the state didn't know that just because a teacher candidate passes TPA does not necessarily mean he or she is an effective teacher.
ReplyDeleteI guess the best way for you to learn about TPA is experience it and reflect on your experience.