An Act Concerning The Implementation Of Edtpa As Part Of Educator Preparation Programs.
The impact of HB 5376 on state education laws is significant as it effectively deregulates the existing standardized assessment process set by the State Board of Education. By dismantling the statewide adoption of the edTPA, the bill allows for localized control over how future educators are assessed during their training. Supporters of this measure argue that it provides flexibility and promotes innovative approaches tailored to diverse educational settings, while critics contend that it could lower educational standards and diminish the quality of teacher preparation programs across the state.
House Bill 5376 seeks to cease the statewide implementation of the edTPA (Educative Teacher Performance Assessment) in Connecticut. Effective July 1, 2020, the bill mandates that institutions of higher education offering teacher preparation programs develop their own performance assessments for pre-service teachers. This move is aimed at allowing local institutions to create assessments that better fit their specific curriculum and educator preparation needs. The Commissioner of Education will be responsible for reviewing and approving these new assessments, ensuring they meet state standards for professional certification.
Discussion surrounding HB 5376 is likely to revolve around concerns about educator readiness and the effectiveness of newly developed assessments. Proponents maintain that localized assessments will encourage higher engagement and adaptation to new teaching methodologies, while opponents worry that without a standardized assessment like the edTPA, there may be inconsistencies in the quality of teacher preparation. The decision to implement institution-specific assessments raises questions about accountability and comparability across different programs, which may become a significant point of contention among education stakeholders.