California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA)?
An assessment that requires candidates to demonstrate through their performance with K-12 students that they have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities required of a beginning teacher, as exemplified in the Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). The CalTPA model consists of a series of performance tasks that measure the candidate’s Teaching Performance Expectations. The performance tasks are completed during the teacher preparation program.
Why do I have to take the CalTPA?
The CalTPA is one of several components of the Alliant’s teacher preparation program to be recommended for the Preliminary Teaching Credential. On July 1, 2008, the California Commission approved Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) to be implemented in all state-approved teacher preparation programs.
When do I complete the TPA?
The candidate will complete two tasks per semester. The first semester, the candidate will complete Subject Specific Pedagogy and Designing Instruction. The second semester, the candidate will complete Assessing Learning and Culminating the Teaching Experience.
When are the TPAs due?
It is important that you submit the TPAs on time so that the assessors can have them scored before the end of each semester. The first semester, Subject Specific Pedagogy will be due by the deadline date October 3, 2008 and Designing Instruction will be due by the deadline date November 14, 2008. The second semester, Assessing Learning will be due by the deadline date March 20, 2009 and Culminating Teaching Experience will be due by the deadline date April 24,2009.
Where do I submit my TPA?
You must submit a hard copy of your TPA Assessment by the deadline date to:
Alliant International University
Sophia Huang
One Beach Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94133
Can I submit my TPA Assessment electronically?
No.
Who scores my TPA Assessment?
Your TPA Assessment is scored by University faculty, field supervisors, master teachers, K-12 teachers, support providers, retired teachers and administrators who have all been state trained and calibrated as TPA assessors.
Who can assist me with my TPA?
Your seminar instructors, mentors, university supervisor, master teacher, school site administrators and peers may assist you with the preparation of the written TPA. Also, additional support will come from the University’s TPA advisor and Systemwide Assessment Coordinator, Dr. Beverly Palley, please email her at bpalley@alliant.edu
What is the passing score of the TPA?
You must receive “3” or “4” to pass each task. You are required to take four tasks. Subject Specific Pedagogy, Designing Instruction, Assessing Learning and Culminating Teaching Experience tasks. The passing score for the four tasks is total of “12”minimum.
If I receive a “1” or “2” score on a task, how do I get feedback?
You may not request your assessment to be re-scored. It has been scored twice and validated of a score “1” or “2”. You will be notified by the TPA coordinator for instructions of your re-submission. You will have an opportunity to re-write your TPA task with the support of the TPA University Faculty member. You will have two weeks to re-write and re-submit your assessment. Mail your re-submission to:
Alliant International University,
Sophia Huang
One Beach Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94133
Should I keep a copy of my assessment?
Yes, it might get lost in the mail. Also, some of the activities and work might be accepted by your BTSA Program, which is a professional Induction Program required by your local school district and CCTC after receipt of your Preliminary credential.
How do I get permission to submit late?
Late submission is granted for illness, family tragedy, or similar difficulties which makes it impossible for you to complete your task by the deadline due date. If you have a problem, you will need to contact Dr. Beverly Palley, Systemwide Assessment Coordinator before the assessment deadline due date at 1 530 544 2724 or bpalley@alliant.edu.
How will I know my score?
After each task is scored, the assessment office will notified you by email and US mail.
Can I submit my assessment early?
You may submit your assessment no earlier than one week prior to the deadline due date.
Can I submit for Culminating Teaching Experience a VHS or Mini DV?
No, you must submit a good quality and working DVD of a 20-30 minute lesson (please check DVD before submitting). If the DVD does not work, then it will be returned to you. This could delay the scoring of your task.
You will need to refer to Chapter 10 in the Candidate Handbook for details regarding DVD taping and student and adult release forms. The Culminating Teaching Experience task for submission must include task responses,
DVD , artifacts (student work) and signed original release forms.
What happens if my total Cal TPA score is less than “12” even after a challenge?
SERC (see the University Catalog)-may recommend additional coursework based on an analysis of your TPA response.
Who is the contact person for Alliant’s CalTPA?
The contact person will assist you immediately:
Dr. Beverly Palley, Systemwide TPA Coordinator,
bpalley@alliant.edu/ 530 544 2724
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