Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the CalTPA designed to measure?
As noted above, the CalTPA is designed to measure your knowledge, skills, and competencies related to the (TPEs). TPEs are standards of teaching that represent what a beginning teacher minimally must know and be able to do. The CalTPA measures TPEs, and aspects of many TPEs are found in more than one task.
There are four tasks in the CalTPA:
Task 1 = Subject-Specific Pedagogy.
Task 2 = Designing Instruction
Task 3 = Assessing Learning
Task 4 =The Culminating Teaching Experience.
- When do I take the CalTPA tasks?
The CalTPA tasks are embedded in your program. Multiple Subjects teacher candidates will take Task 1 in Block 1, Task 2 in Block 2, Task 3 in Block 3, and Task 4 in Block 4. Single Subject teacher candidates will take Task 1 in Block 1, Task 2 in Block 2, Task 3 in Block 4 and Task 4 in Block 4. It is important to note that many assignments and tasks in your courses are designed to prepare you for the CalTPA.
Please remember: TPA tasks must be taken in sequence. A task must be successfully completed prior to taking the next task in the sequence. Any attempt to take a task out of sequence will be invalidated.
- How do I take the CalTPA?
You will complete the CalTPA in Task Stream. Following submission of the CalTPA task, you will print the Candidate Statement of Authenticity and the Certificate of Completion. Submit these documents to your course instructor during the eighth week of the quarter in which you submit CalTPA tasks.
Please note: A Task Stream subscription is required for the TPA at California State University, Los Angeles. Maintain copies of your Candidate Statement of Authenticity and Certificate of Completion for each completed task of the CalTPA.
- How many tasks must I complete for the CalTPA?
As noted above the CalTPA consists of four tasks. You may pass with a minimum score of 12 across the four tasks, with no task below 3, as measured by the task scoring-level rubric. You take and pass all four tasks to satisfy the CalTPA requirement.
Please note: Faculty do not score the CalTPA tasks of students enrolled in their courses.
- What if I do not pass a task?
You may take a CalTPA task a maximum of three times. If you are unsuccessful at your first attempt at the assessment you will work with the CalTPA Coordinator to develop a remediation plan.
Please remember: You must take and pass Tasks 1, 2 and 3 to be eligible for Directed Teaching in Block 4 of the Multiple Subjects and Single Subject credential programs.
If you are unsuccessful in passing the examination, you will not be able to continue the teacher credential program.
- Can I appeal my assessment score?
Yes. You will need to file an appeal within the eleventh week of the quarter to the CalTPA Coordinator. If successful, your task will be re-scored.
- Can I be recommended for a Preliminary Credential without passing the CalTPA?
NO. Verification of passing the CalTPA is a requirement for recommendation for the Preliminary Credential. You must pass all four tasks of the assessment.
- What materials will I have to complete the TPA?
You will have a number of materials to support you. You will have a copy of the Candidate Handbook provided by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The Handbook provides directions, guidelines and an overview of the assessment tasks. You will also have benchmark papers (candidate performances scored at Level 4) to guide your preparation. These materials will be available online. Templates for the actual CalTPA tasks will be available in Task Stream.
- When will I know my score?
As noted above, you will submit your work to Task Stream in the eighth week of the quarter. Your assessment task will be scored in the 9th week of the quarter. You will be notified by the 10th week of the quarter. You will receive an email notification of assessment results on your University email address.
Please note: A task that is submitted to Task Stream after the submission deadline is invalid.
Please remember: You must have a score of 3 or 4 to pass the CalTPA task.
The faculty members of the Charter College of Education fully support the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The faculty will provide reasonable accommodations to any student with a disability who is registered with the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) who needs and requests accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may involve allowing a student to use an interpreter, note taker, or reader. Accommodations may be needed during class sessions and for the administration of examinations.