Chapter 15: Using Nonfiction Literature Circles To Process The Edtpa Handbooks And Supporting Documents

Finding it challenging to motivate candidates to engage with the edTPA Handbooks, Making Good Choices, and Understanding Rubric Level Progressions, six faculty members from a midsized, regional institution in the Southeast decided to return to the research-based strategies for processing content that they had previously employed in K-12 settings. Implementing close reading (Fisher & Frey, 2014), text-mapping (Middlebrook, 2014), and nonfiction literature circles (Daniels, 2002b, 2006; Wilfong, 2009) encouraged deep and meaningful experiences with the texts while providing authentic engagement at a variety of levels. Faculty noted how well-prepared and confident candidates appeared after using the strategies. Candidates also reported an increase in engagement and comprehension of the texts. Nonfiction literature circles, supported by text-mapping and close reading, is a recommended strategy for critical exploration and ownership of edTPA materials by teacher candidates.