6 Degrees of Preparation Mentoring Teacher Candidates through the Teacher Performance Assessment Kathleen Ofstedal - St. Cloud State University April 2011

Topics Creating a Positive Cohort Mentality Setting the Stage for the TPA Format of the TPA Separating into Manageable Sections Section by Section Tips for Mentoring

Cohort Mentality An educational cohort is a group of students who, in this case, work together toward completing a TPA. Can be positive or negative - this depends on you! Provides built-in support, knowing that they are not alone. The sense of community, tangible supports, and solid new friendships provide an incentive to come to class and finish.

Cohort Building Activity First Day To disclose personal information to class as appropriate Builds trust Leadership begins to emerge Itemid=70 Itemid=70

Setting the Stage Teaching is an Art and a Science Hard Copy of Handbook 3-ring Binder Vocabulary TPA is not an assignment, separate from their student teaching

Format & Process Format of TPA Process for mentoring in class/seminars Assessing candidates’ progress

TPA Sections Have candidates turn in work weekly Do not allow them to get behind Give points for each section turned in on time Late sections lose points

Section by Section Tips

Context for Learning

Planning Instruction

Assessing Student Learning

Instructing and Engaging Students in Learning

Academic Language