Are the scorers familiar with state-specific exams? How much context do I need to explain when it comes to state-wide testing, curriculum, etc? For example, would my scorer know what a Regents exam is?
Assume that your scorer knows nothing... because s/he doesn't know you, your students, or your school. Pearson has a national network of scorers so it's highly unlikely that you'll have a fellow New Yorker scoring your portfolio. Be as specific as possible in your Context for Learning.
If I'm a co-teacher in a specific subject, do I need to film myself as the lead teacher in that subject area for certification?
Yes. The edTPA handbooks require that you "have primary responsibility for teaching the students/class during the learning segment profiled in the assessment."
I teach PE/art/dance, but my certification is in elementary education. Can I use another teachers' students and lesson plans for the edTPA?
Yes, but you must be the lead (or only) teacher for the learning segment, and you must be the one giving feedback on students’ assessments. If you can pair with a teacher with whom you share students that would be ideal; that way you know the kids, they know you, and you can explain the situation well in advance. It's also okay to use another teacher's plans, but you MUST cite your sources.
Are there requirements to how many students are in the classroom for these videos?
Yes, but these numbers vary depending on the handbook area. Reference the "What Do I Need to Do?" section at the beginning of each Task description in your handbook to find these numbers. You must also make sure that the minimum number of students are viewable at some point in your video; otherwise, you may get a Condition Code and have to pay to resubmit Task 2.
Are there any advantages/disadvantages in edTPA scoring for choosing to teach small groups vs teaching a full class?
No. Be sure to verify the minimum number of students required by your edTPA handbook. If you opt to teach a small group, you will need to explain that it's one of your teaching responsibilities and routines in your classroom and in your school within your Context for Learning.
Do we have to use the same students for all tasks?
You will select one focus class for tasks 1-3 of this assessment, meaning your group of students should remain the same. If you are taking one of the four task Elementary Education edTPA handbooks, you may use a different focus class in Task 4 than the focus class used in Tasks 1-3.
Where should I place my camera when filming for Task 2?
You should place your camera somewhere where your face is visible, the minimum number of students required for your handbook area are visible, and you and students can be heard clearly. Reference the Making Good Choices guide for additional guidance on best filming practices.
I’m required to use network-created lesson plans. Can I use these for my submission, or do I have to create my own lesson plans?
You may use the network- or school-created lesson plans, as long as you provide appropriate citations. For these lesson plans, you should use the “unpublished manuscript” format: Author’s name. (Year published). Title of the lesson plan. Unpublished manuscript, School and/or Network name, City, State. You should also explain that you are required to use network-provided plans in your Context for Learning.
Can the lessons that are submitted be past lessons or do I have to plan new lessons for edTPA?
Your lessons should be new to your students. Remember that you do not need to write original lesson plans if your school requires that you teach network-created lesson plans or a particular curriculum, although you should make adjustments to your network-created lessons to meet the specific needs of your students (e.g., task accommodations for students with IEPs). Just be sure to explain that in your Context for Learning and cite, cite, cite!
Any tips/suggestions on how to design a re-engagement lesson for the Elementary Task 4?
You should reference the "Making Good Choices: Task 4 Addendum" for guidance on what you should think about for the re-engagement lesson. This document is included in your TC: Planning for edTPA and TC: Curating for edTPA Canvas modules, and is also available on the edTPA website.
Are there any student confidentiality requirements for edTPA?
Yes (e.g., you may not include ANY student last names in the work samples, you may only say a student's first name in the videos, etc.). See the "Professional Responsibilities" section in your handbook for more information.
Students featured in the video are also required to have parental permission to appear; your Relay video permissions are sufficient. You do not need to submit these with your edTPA portfolio materials.
Are there any formatting requirements for the edTPA?
Yes, Arial, 11-point font with one-inch margins. See the Artifacts and Commentary Specification sections for specifics on each deliverable (e.g., supported file types, min/max number of files, response length, formatting, etc.). This formatting does NOT apply to lesson plans.
Do I have to provide citations?
Yes! The edTPA is strict about citations. Check out LIB-101 on Canvas for how to include correct citations in your work.
What deliverables should I cite?
You should provide citations for the source of all materials you did not create (e.g., published texts, websites, material from other educators, etc.). List all citations by lesson number at the end of the Literacy Planning Commentary.
Is it okay if any of my commentaries are less than the page limit?
Yes; however, be sure that you are providing a very clear lens for your reader (who doesn't have any context for your classroom context) when writing your commentaries.
Can I submit a highlight reel for Task 2?
No, video editing is not allowed in edTPA submissions and will result in a condition code and an overall Incomplete score. The only permissible edits are: facial blurring or muting (e.g., if a student is visible or audible for whom you do not have permission to film); captioning (e.g., if student dialogue is difficult to hear); cosmetic editing (e.g., adding a title card, redacting identifying information, etc); camera malfunctioning (e.g., your battery dies and it is explained on video and/or in the commentary response).