What is TPA Cycle 1 and 2Â all about?
Cycle 1 focuses on developing an engaging content-specific lesson for one class1 and 3 focus students based on what you learn about their diverse assets and learning needs, including their prior knowledge, interests, and developmental considerations.Â
This is usually the initial phase of the assessment process where candidates may be introduced to the requirements of the TPA, gather evidence related to their teaching practice, and begin to plan their submissions. During this phase, candidates might engage in activities such as observing classrooms, collecting student work samples, and drafting lesson plans or instructional materials.
Cycle 1 focuses on developing an engaging content-specific lesson for one class1 and 3 focus students based on what you learn about their diverse assets and learning needs, including their prior knowledge, interests, and developmental considerations.Â
This is usually the initial phase of the assessment process where candidates may be introduced to the requirements of the TPA, gather evidence related to their teaching practice, and begin to plan their submissions. During this phase, candidates might engage in activities such as observing classrooms, collecting student work samples, and drafting lesson plans or instructional materials.
 Tips
Set clear goals: Define what academic success means to you and set specific, achievable goals to work towards.
Stay organized: Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and study schedules to ensure you stay on top of your coursework.
Manage your time effectively: Prioritize tasks, avoid procrastination, and create a balanced schedule that allows for both studying and relaxation.
Develop effective study habits: Find study methods that work best for you, whether it's creating outlines, using flashcards, or forming study groups.
Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to professors, tutors, or classmates if you're struggling with a particular subject or concept.
Take care of your health: Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and manage stress to ensure you're in the best condition to succeed academically.
Stay motivated: Remember why you're pursuing your academic goals and stay focused on the bigger picture, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
Tricks
Start early: Begin gathering evidence and planning your submissions as soon as possible. Starting early allows you to identify any gaps in your documentation and gives you more time to revise and improve your materials.
Review the rubrics: Familiarize yourself with the evaluation criteria and rubrics provided for each TPA task. Understanding what is expected of you will guide your planning and help you focus on the most important aspects of your teaching practice.
Seek feedback: Share your drafts with peers, mentors, or instructors for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your submissions before finalizing them.
Align with standards: Ensure that your lesson plans, assessments, and reflections align closely with the relevant teaching standards or frameworks. Use specific language from the standards in your documentation to demonstrate your understanding and application of them.
Provide clear evidence: Select evidence that clearly illustrates your teaching effectiveness and supports your claims. Use a variety of sources, such as lesson plans, student work samples, assessment data, and video recordings, to provide a comprehensive view of your teaching practice.
Reflect deeply: Take time to reflect on your teaching experiences and the impact they have had on student learning. Articulate your reflections thoughtfully, highlighting areas of success as well as areas for growth, and explain how you plan to address any challenges or shortcomings.
Revise and refine: Use feedback from peers and instructors to revise and refine your submissions. Pay attention to detail, ensuring that your documentation is well-organized, coherent, and free of errors.
Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, submission requirements, and feedback received throughout the assessment process. Use checklists or calendars to stay organized and ensure that you meet all requirements in a timely manner.
Practice time management: Allocate sufficient time for each task within the assessment cycles, making sure to prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadline. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Stay focused and persistent: Stay focused on your goals and remain committed to putting forth your best effort throughout the assessment process. Be persistent in seeking feedback, revising your work, and striving for excellence in your submissions.