Requirements and Considerations for Candidates Completing edTPA in a Virtual Learning Environment

The edTPA program has a "Virtual Learning Environment" option available to teacher candidates who prepare and provide instruction to students in virtual environments. The teacher candidate must consult with their program faculty/instructor or building level administrator (for unaffiliated candidates) and P–12 partners to determine if the virtual learning environment is an appropriate and viable option for both candidates and P–12 students. In addition, programs and building level administrators (for unaffiliated candidates) must determine if the virtual learning environment will allow candidates to capture acceptable forms of authentic practice and relevant evidence to be scored according to the edTPA rubrics.

To help make this determination, candidates should review the Evidence Requirements and Considerations for edTPA in a Virtual Learning Environment PDF, which also includes subject-specific considerations for various handbooks (e.g., early childhood, physical education, special education). The guidance outlines the flexibility in the technical formats allowed and explains how candidates may submit equivalent forms of evidence to meet all edTPA Handbook instructions and requirements. Candidates should also review Frequently Asked Questions: Completing edTPA in a Virtual Learning Environment that address topics such as Completing edTPA in a Modified Schedule, Maintaining Confidentiality and Security in a Virtual Learning Environment, and Supporting Students to Use Online Tools and Platforms.

Decision Chart: Task 2 Evidence in a Virtual Learning Environment

The chart below includes scenarios that identify possible evidence candidates may be able to collect for Task 2: Instruction in the Virtual Learning Environment. Candidates should use this chart, in conjunction with Evidence Requirements and Considerations for edTPA in a Virtual Learning Environment PDF, to determine their next steps to complete and submit their edTPA portfolio in a virtual learning environment.

chart outlining 3 scenarios of various types of evidence candidates may collect in the V L E

Teacher candidate completing edTPA in a virtual learning environment

Scenario 1

Scenario 1 is shaded green, and begins:

Candidate is able to deliver and collect Task 2 video evidence of synchronous instruction.

The Task 2 evidence DOES meet all technical requirements in the handbook guidelines and Submission Requirements.

Following from this is another box:

Both the teacher candidate and minimum number of students can be seen and heard. NOTE: If students' faces cannot be recorded, avatars, emojis and/or names are acceptable alternatives for most content areas.

Decision: Request for alternative arrangement is not required.

Following from this is a third box:

NEXT STEPS

  • Candidate reviews the Evidence Requirements and Considerations for edTPA in a Virtual Learning Environment and follows the handbook guidelines and Submission Requirements when submitting their portfolio.
  • During edTPA registration, the candidate will indicate if the learning environment is traditional, virtual, or blended.
  • At submission the candidate will attest that they have correctly identified the setting in which their Task 2 video evidence was collected.

Scenario 2

The second scenario is shaded yellow, and begins:

Candidate can deliver synchronous instruction but cannot capture this video evidence.

The Task 2 evidence DOES NOT meet the technical requirements specified in the handbook guidelines and Submission Requirements.

Following from this is another box:

An alternative way of capturing Task 2 evidence must be used.

Instead of a video recording, candidates approved for an alternative to submitting a video recording should submit one of the two types of evidence, as follows:�

  1. Audio recording
  2. Written transcript

Decision: Request for alternative to video evidence is required.

Following from this is a third box:

NEXT STEPS

  • Candidate reviews handbook guidelines and instructions for candidates submitting alternative to video evidence when submitting their portfolio.
  • The candidate and program or building level administrator (for unaffiliated candidates) must submit required forms prior to the submission of the portfolio.
  • Upon approval, the candidate receives detailed instructions of the request.

Scenario 3

Scenario 3 is shaded red, and begins:

Candidate can deliver only asynchronous instruction.

The Task 2 evidence DOES NOT meet the technical requirements specified in the handbook guidelines and Submission Requirements.

Following from this is another box:

edTPA Task 2 requires evidence of synchronous instruction.

Decision: Candidate does not have the evidence needed to submit an edTPA portfolio.

Following from this is a third box:

NEXT STEPS

Candidate does not submit a portfolio. The candidate should contact their program or building level administrator (for unaffiliated candidates) for guidance on meeting state licensure requirements.

Alternative Evidence to Video Requirements and Guidance

It is important that candidates submit edTPA materials that meet the technical specifications within the edTPA Submission Requirements PDF and the applicable edTPA Handbook. If ALL requirements (e.g., synchronous instruction for Task 2, Part A: Video) are able to be met, it is not necessary for candidates to submit a request for an alternative arrangement.

However, candidates teaching in a virtual learning environment may encounter situations that prohibit the ability to capture edTPA Task 2 materials that meet the technical specifications for artifacts as outlined within the edTPA Submission Requirements PDF. In this case, candidates should review how to Request an Alternative to Video Evidence and work with their educator preparation program or building level administrator (for unaffiliated candidates) to determine if the virtual learning environment will allow the candidate to capture alternative evidence to be scored according to the edTPA rubrics.

If you are seeking initial teacher licensure in Illinois, please contact edTPAEPPSupport@pearson.com for guidance and instructions for submitting an alternative to video evidence.

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