1. TPALs Conversations on edTPA: Sharing Best Practices
Dr. Joan Lachance Assistant Professor, MDSK
Dr. Michelle Stephan, Associate Professor, MDSK

2. Today’s Focus
Convey the current scope of edTPA, showcasing areas of success in MDSK program areas.
Describe ideas from two faculty members’ perspectives on edTPA and BEST PRACTICES for authentic practice tasks.

3. Current Coursework & Support Programmatic Opportunities for Practice Tasks
The emphasis on specialization of practice tasks and internship support within the MDSK programs.
Practice Tasks are woven in throughout pre-internship semester coursework
MAT Programs in TESL/FLED continue to have higher performance outcomes than many other programs
*A VITAL focus on connecting practice Tasks 1-3
Considerations for Academic Language that move beyond key vocabulary

4. Current Coursework & Support Programmatic Opportunities for Practice Tasks
Specialized Support during the Internship Semester
Synchronous and Asynchronous weekly sessions
A VITAL focus on specific timing/scaffolding Tasks 1-3

5. Task 1 (Lesson Planning) Support Dr. Lachance
Use the TESL specific lesson plan template (tightly aligned with edTPA rubrics)
Heavy emphasis on language objectives with features of academic language
Detailed descriptions of planned assessments, aligned with lesson goals and, indicated ways for students to self-measure/peer-measure (part of language progression)

6. Task 1 (Lesson Planning) Support Dr. Stephan
Read five research articles on the teaching topic; write abstracts
Analyze student-centered textbook activities; determine cognitive demand
Lesson plans anticipate student reasoning and questioning

7. Task 2 (Instruction) Support Dr. Stephan
Candidates conduct one-on-one interviews with classroom students
Instructor Model teaches in methods class
Video analysis of High Quality Instruction
Practice teach in class

8. Task 2 (Instruction) Support Dr. Lachance
Academic Language Development and Structured Peer Review Why does this matter?
TESL/FLED focus on structured, scaffolded, peer review—connected to NC Essential content and ELD standards with very specific language objectives
Candidates are asked to mirror the feedback process in several instances.

9. Image Source: Google Images Public Domain
Voices from the Field!
Discussion—Innovative Ideas from the Group!
Image Source: Google Images Public Domain

10. Thank You!!
Photo by Arik Hanson