MSU student-teachers achieve record edTPA scores
Morehead State University's Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education is celebrating a historic academic milestone after student-teachers achieved the highest Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) scores ever recorded within the college.
The Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) is a nationally recognized evaluation for teacher candidates (student-teachers) that measures their readiness to teach in the classroom. This subject-specific, portfolio-based evaluation requires candidates to demonstrate planning, instruction, and assessment skills in real classrooms.
The latest group of student teachers didn’t just meet expectations; they set a new standard. Their performance pushed the college’s average score to its highest point in history, marking nearly a 10% increase since the assessment was first introduced.
Dr. Nicola Mason (Class of 2007), dean of the Volgenau College of Education, emphasized the magnitude of the achievement.
"School districts comment regularly on the quality of graduates from MSU's teacher education programs. Our record-high edTPA scores are evidence of this. But test scores only provide one lens through which to evaluate success," Mason said. "And thanks to our committed faculty and staff in VCOE, there are so many ways that our students demonstrate their mastery throughout our programs."
The edTPA requires candidates to submit a comprehensive teaching portfolio, including a multi-day learning segment, video-recorded instruction, assessments of student learning, and analytical commentary that demonstrates effective instructional decision-making. Scores are aligned with national benchmarks for high-quality teaching.
This semester's historic performance also highlights the strength of VCOE's partnerships with regional P-12 schools and its cooperation with teachers who guide candidates through their clinical experiences.
Dr. Alicia N. Day (Class of 2025, 2014), clinical and field experience coordinator, celebrated the significance of the milestone.
"This semester didn't just continue our upward trend; it launched us into record territory," Day said. "Our student-teachers showed remarkable skill and professionalism, and we could not be more proud of what they have accomplished."
To learn more about MSU's Volgenau College of Education and its programs, contact Dr. Nicola Mason at nfmason@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2162.
