Chapter 3: Curriculum Mapping: Providing Structure and Space for edTPA

When considering the implementation of edTPA, establishing clarity regarding where and how edTPA rubrics will be implemented in the curriculum is a key first step. Providing an edTPA curriculum map will provide this information for faculty and teacher candidates. Establishing expectations regarding the completion of each aspect of the edTPA, providing candidates with the resources and background knowledge of the assessment, and linking course objectives to edTPA rubrics will contribute to candidates being successful with edTPA. Curriculum mapping is one organizational process for effectively completing these tasks. It is a procedure for systematically organizing edTPA rubrics, program standards, curriculum, and assessments. Curriculum mapping provides the structure and process to ensure that edTPA is central within courses in order to give multiple types of experiences for candidates. Curriculum mapping, with an emphasis on edTPA, can impact curricular change and can help engage faculty with the rubrics, enhance faculty collaboration, and align programmatic expectations for candidates. The curriculum does not have to shift completely to embed edTPA, because the content in courses is enhanced, rather than sacrificed. By thoughtfully working toward a curriculum map, edTPA can be included while still maintaining the integrity and unique identity of each teacher preparation program.