Recommended Professional Performance Standard

The edTPA assessment typically includes 15 rubrics, each of which is scored on a scale of five points, which sum to a total maximum possible score of 75. Following a multi-step standard-setting process in summer 2013, the standard-setting panel which consisted of educational stakeholders from K–12 and higher education recommended a score of 42 points as the professional performance standard (PPS). Typically, in setting a cut score for a pass-fail decision, a standard error of measurement is applied to the recommended score to reduce decisions influenced by measurement error (e.g., false negatives).

For credential areas (e.g., World Language) that have fewer or more than the 15 rubrics, it is necessary to use an adjusted PPS because the total score differs. A proportional adjustment is made such that the average rubric score contribution to the total score is the same across fields. To achieve this adjusted PPS, edTPA began with the PPS based on 15 rubrics set during a national standard setting event. This PPS was calculated upwards for credential areas with more than 15 rubrics (where a higher total score is possible) and downwards for credential areas with fewer than 15 rubrics (where a lower total scores is possible). These calculations in PPSs are proportional to the number of rubrics and maintain the same average rubric score.

Based on the PPS recommendation of 42 and an adjustment of minus a full standard error of measurement, 37–42 score points may be used as the professional performance standard range.

For World Language and Classical Languages (13 scoring rubrics), 32–36 score points may be used as the professional performance standard range.

For Elementary Education: Literacy with Mathematics Task 4 and Elementary Education: Mathematics with Literacy Task 4 (18 scoring rubrics), 44–50 score points may be used as the professional performance standard range.

States may set their own passing scores based on state standard-setting panels that take into account state-specific data, measurement data, and state's policy considerations. As discussed by the standard-setting panel members, states may consider setting their initial cut score lower than the panel-suggested PPS or their state-determined performance standard to give programs time to learn to deliver and support edTPA activities and to support candidates' preparation of their submissions. As warranted, the state performance standard can be raised over time. Information on state specific passing requirements (as appropriate) can be found in the "Scores" section of this website. Additionally, candidates should check with their program administrator about any program-specific requirements.