edTPA: Teacher Performance Assessment Practice Test

edTPA requirements are determined by individual state education agencies and are subject to change. As of the latest data, over a dozen states have adopted or are transitioning to edTPA as a requirement for initial teacher licensure or program completion. These include New York, Washington, Georgia, Illinois, and others, with several additional states using it for program approval or as one of multiple assessment options. Candidates must consult their specific state's Department of Education and their educator preparation program for the most current and authoritative requirements.

The portfolio is structured around three core tasks: 1) Planning for Instruction and Assessment, 2) Instructing and Engaging Students in Learning, and 3) Assessing Student Learning. Each task requires specific artifacts, such as lesson plans, instructional materials, unedited video clips of teaching, and samples of student work. These artifacts are accompanied by extensive written commentaries where candidates explain their planning decisions, analyze their teaching effectiveness, and demonstrate how assessment data informs instruction. Tasks are subject-specific, with handbooks tailored to over 27 different teaching fields.

Trained, calibrated scorers assess the portfolio using subject-specific rubrics, typically 15 rubrics total (5 per task). Each rubric is scored on a 5-point scale. The total portfolio score is the sum of the individual rubric scores. Passing scores are established by each participating state, not by the edTPA program itself. State passing scores vary, so candidates must be aware of their own state's required threshold. Scoring emphasizes evidence-based reasoning, depth of analysis, and the impact of teaching decisions on student learning.

Yes, retake policies are available. Candidates who do not meet their state's passing score may retake the entire assessment or, more commonly, retake one or two individual tasks to improve their score. Specific retake rules, including waiting periods and fees, are set by the state and/or the educator preparation program. It is critical to review the official edTPA retake guidelines and consult with your program advisor to develop a strategic retake plan focused on the areas needing improvement.

Primary support is provided through the candidate's educator preparation program, which integrates edTPA preparation into coursework and student teaching supervision. Official resources include the edTPA handbook for your specific subject area, the edTPA website with guides and templates, and webinars from the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE). Candidates should work closely with their university supervisors and cooperating teachers throughout the process. It is important to only use official or program-approved resources to ensure adherence to policies and avoid violations of academic integrity.