Connecticut Senate Bill SB01035

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/21
• Refer: 3/11/21
• Report Pass: 3/29/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/19/21

Caption

An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study Issues Relating To The Implementation Of And Costs Associated With Edtpa.

Impact

The establishment of the task force signals a legislative acknowledgment of the concerns related to the edTPA mechanism and its financial burden. By examining edTPA's implementation, the bill could potentially shape future education policy in Connecticut, particularly in how future assessments are structured within teacher preparation programs. The task force's scope includes looking into possible costs recovery strategies, making it particularly relevant as education financing continues to be a crucial topic of discussion within the state legislature.

Summary

SB01035 establishes a task force tasked with studying the implementation and costs associated with the edTPA, a preservice performance assessment adopted by the State Board of Education. The bill aims to evaluate various factors related to edTPA, including its positive and negative attributes, its integration in teacher preparation programs across the state, and the financial implications for students enrolled in these programs. The intent is to assess how the edTPA impacts student loan debt and to explore the feasibility of either reducing costs or designing an alternative state-wide assessment that aligns with best practices in teacher preparation.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB01035 appears to be constructive. Legislators generally seem supportive of identifying and addressing the challenges linked to edTPA, particularly those that affect students financially. Given that the task force includes student representatives, there is a clear intention to incorporate diverse perspectives into the discussions. However, some might express caution regarding the effectiveness of implementing changes based solely on the task force's findings.

Contention

Notable points of contention may revolve around the necessity and effectiveness of the edTPA system itself. Although proponents argue that it is vital for improving the quality of teacher preparation, opponents could raise objections related to its financial burden on students. The exploration of alternatives or modifications to the edTPA might also elicit debate on the best methods to balance assessment standards and accessibility for future educators.