By Madison Rosenbaum, WSU Tri-Cities intern
RICHLAND, Wash. – The teachers of tomorrow are passing their exams with flying colors at Washington State University Tri-Cities.
All 15 students from the College of Education program fulfilled and passed their edTPA portfolios this spring, permitting them to be recommended for certification to become teachers. The edTPA – the state’s teacher performance assessment – consists of student teachers completing tasks in planning, student engagement (instruction) and assessment.
“Having all 15 students pass means that we are doing really good things across the board in our courses to prepare our student teachers,” said Maria Moscatelli, director of field services for the college at WSU Tri-Cities.
Of the 164 student teachers enrolled this spring throughout the WSU system – at WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Spokane, WSU Vancouver and WSU Pullman – all but one passed the edTPA. Faculty and students are thrilled with this success rate, Moscatelli said.
This spring was the first semester in which student teachers were required to complete this portfolio, in conjunction with two other WSU mandatory processes: having a mentor teacher and a university supervisor sign off on the Professional Dispositions Evaluation for Field Experiences and recommend the teacher candidate for certification.
“To pass the edTPA makes me feel proud and excited,” said Amber Dickerson, who completed her student teaching and graduated this month with her bachelor’s degree in education. “To pass it, students must show they are able to meet the high standards set forth by the state, as well as prove they have the ability to teach and reflect upon the lesson to plan for and adapt to student needs.”
Learn about WSU Tri-Cities and its commitment to dynamic student engagement, dynamic research experiences and dynamic community engagement at http://tricity.wsu.edu.
Contacts:
Maria Moscatelli, WSU Tri-Cities College of Education, 509-372-7186, mmoscatelli@tricity.wsu.edu
Madison Rosenbaum, WSU Tri-Cities Marketing and Communications student intern, madison.rosenbaum@email.wsu.edu
Melissa O’Neil Perdue, WSU Tri-Cities Marketing and Communications manager, 509-372-7319, cell/text 509-727-3094, moneil@tricity.wsu.edu