How should you select a performance task for edTPA?

How should you select a performance task for edTPA?

• A. Choose a task that elicits authentic demonstration of target knowledge/skills aligned to standards and can be assessed through multiple evidence sources.
• B. Choose the easiest task to score.
• C. Choose a task that uses only one source of evidence.
• D. Choose a task based on student preference.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to select a performance task that authentically demonstrates the teacher’s target knowledge and skills in ways that align to standards and can be evidenced through multiple sources. Choosing a task that reflects real classroom practice ensures the demonstration is meaningful and relevant to what teachers are expected to know and do, not just a quick or artificial exercise. Aligning the task to standards provides a clear measure of required competencies, while using multiple sources of evidence—such as video of instruction, student work, and reflective commentary—lets you triangulate performance and capture the complexity of teaching. Focusing on ease of scoring or relying on a single source of evidence can compromise validity and depth, and selecting a task based on student preference misses alignment with standards and learning goals.

The main idea is to select a performance task that authentically demonstrates the teacher’s target knowledge and skills in ways that align to standards and can be evidenced through multiple sources. Choosing a task that reflects real classroom practice ensures the demonstration is meaningful and relevant to what teachers are expected to know and do, not just a quick or artificial exercise. Aligning the task to standards provides a clear measure of required competencies, while using multiple sources of evidence—such as video of instruction, student work, and reflective commentary—lets you triangulate performance and capture the complexity of teaching. Focusing on ease of scoring or relying on a single source of evidence can compromise validity and depth, and selecting a task based on student preference misses alignment with standards and learning goals.