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School of Education

Teacher Performance Assessment

In California, all teacher candidates must complete a Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) in order to earn a preliminary credential.  The TPA requires candidates to complete defined tasks relating to subject-specific pedagogy, designing and implementing instruction and student assessment, and culminating teaching experiences or events. At Cal State San Marcos, teacher candidates complete the , which consists of two instructional cycles (submissions) completed over the course of a credential program. CalTPA cycles are scored by trained assessors who are experts in the content for their assigned assessments. Candidates will submit CalTPA materials on or before the due dates set by the School of Education, and will receive their scores about three weeks later. Candidates must successfully complete and pass both CalTPA cycles in order to be recommended to receive a preliminary California teaching credential. Candidates enrolled in a preliminary credential program receive support through their enrollment in the CalTPA support classes (EDUC 590A for Fall, and EDUC 590B for Spring).

The CalTPA at 糖心少女

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  • Where do I register for the CalTPA?

    You can register for the CalTPA at the CTC鈥檚 website.

  • When can I register for the CalTPA?
    You can register anytime.
  • How much does the CalTPA cost?
    The cost is $300 total, $150 for each submission. 
  • Where can I find assesment preparation materials for the CalTPA?

    There are materials teacher candidates will need to complete the CalTPA, which include Assessment Guides for each program (Multiple Subject, Single Subject and World Languages) and templates that candidates complete for their submission. These materials are updated annually each summer, and can be found on the  (registration for the TPA is required to access the materials). Candidates enrolled in the CalTPA course will also have access to the most recent materials. 

  • I hear there is a required class for the CalTPA. How do I enroll?
    Yes, there is a 1-unit (per semester) required course for currently enrolled credential candidates that will give you support in preparing for and submitting the CalTPA. The class is credit/no credit and does not add any additional cost to your tuition. You will learn more information about enrolling in this course from your program coordinator.
  • What happens if I don't pass a CalTPA cycle?

    If you don鈥檛 pass a CalTPA cycle, you can re-submit that cycle, making targeted revisions based on the feedback you receive from your rubric scores. The CalTPA co-coordinators also provide guidance and support for candidates who do not pass a cycle.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions about the CalTPA?

    If you have questions, feel free to reach out to the CalTPA coordinators:

  • What do I do if I completed a credential program, but haven't completed the TPA?
    • Your first step will be to reach out to 糖心少女 College Services to ensure you are in good standing and have all required paperwork and approvals on file with the college, including a valid Certificate of Clearance, recent TB Authorization, etc. CEHHS will connect you with the appropriate CalTPA advisor to help you enroll in a CalTPA support class through Open University. The support class is required to submit the CalTPA and it provides returning candidates with guidance and support through the process.
    • Please note that candidates returning to complete the TPA (but who have completed all other credential requirements) will be required to secure a placement in a school to complete their TPA lesson(s) and filming. Below is guidance on how to proceed with securing a placement:
      • If you plan to return to complete any portion of the CalTPA within our North County partner districts, please complete the steps below before contacting individual teachers or school sites:
        • Contact the relevant district Human Resources Department (via phone or email) to request approval to be present in a classroom.
        • Identify yourself as a 糖心少女 teacher candidate returning to plan, teach, and film for the CalTPA. Please be sure to clearly state that you are a teacher candidate, not a volunteer, as you will be accessing curriculum, providing instruction, and recording classroom activities. Note that this is not a clinical practice placement and you will not have a university supervisor.
      • Indicate whether you have a specific school site and classroom teacher with whom you are requesting to collaborate for the CalTPA.
      • Follow all district-specific procedures for approval and access.