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Frequently Asked Questions

Note: this information is excerpted from the PACT Candidate Handbook. For detailed information, please review to the handbook. Page references refer to the handbook.

1. What happens if I don’t pass the Teaching Event?

There are several different remediation processes for candidates who do not pass the Teaching Event. The table on page 18 outlines by task the kind of work that would be necessary if you were required to submit a remediated Teaching Event (that is, your initial Teaching Event failed because only one task was failed). If an entirely new Teaching Event must be prepared, then the candidate will enroll in additional coursework to prepare this new Teaching Event. All necessary and appropriate steps needed for any candidate who has failed the Teaching Event will be outlined by one of the PACT Cocoordinators in a one-on-one meeting with the candidate. See additional details beginning on page 17.
Because the Teaching Event is a key summative assessment used to determine candidate competence and therefore suitability for a recommendation for the credential, the initial failure to pass the Teaching Event will delay recommendation of the candidate for the credential. A second failed Teaching Event will result in disqualification from the program.
You do have the right to appeal the scoring process for your Teaching Event. You must do so within seven days of receiving your score. Your appeal must be filed with the Teacher Preparation and Credentials Office. Upon receipt of your appeal, the Teacher Preparation and Credentials Office Director will formally notify the Dean’s Office; your appeal will be heard by the Credential Appeals Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Please note that your appeal is evaluated based on whether or not approved processes and procedures were utilized in the scoring of your Teaching Event and not on whether or not the ultimate score received was accurate.

2. Why am I required to complete the PACT Teaching Event?

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requires that institutions with Multiple (MS), Single Subject (SS) and/or dual EDS/MS Credential Programs have an approved Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) for their candidates. All teacher preparation programs in the state select between the Cal-TPA and the PACT. Sacramento State selected the PACT

3. What happens if I do not pass?

Teaching Events are anonymously scored by trained scorers. If your initial Teaching Event is failed on the first scoring, it is then assigned to a second scorer. If both scorers fail your Teaching Event, then your initial Teaching Event is a fail. Depending on the score, you may have an option to remediate your initial Teaching Event or you may be required to submit a new and second Teaching Event. You will meet with the PACT Coordinator who will explain in detail your options. If your remediated or new/second Teaching Event is passed, you will have satisfied the TPA requirement for a preliminary credential. If the remediated or second Teaching Event is failed, you will be disqualified from the program. Candidates may only attempt to pass the TPA twice. You may also appeal the scoring process (as detailed in the Student Teacher Handbook located on the College of Education webpage).

Please note, failure to submit the Teaching Event by the publicized due date will constitute a score of “fail” on the initial Teaching Event. The candidate will be required to enroll in an additional course through the College of Continuing Education (with additional fees associated). The Teaching Event that s/he submits while enrolled in this CCE course will constitute the second and final attempt to pass the TPA.

4. What is the pass rate?

The pass rate is about 90% per semester.

5. How much time should I set aside for the Teaching Event?

This varies for each candidate. In general, however, the Teaching Event should be a major focus for the entire semester beginning in the first week of the semester with the identification of the student and classroom characteristics and the instructional focus you will have for your Teaching Event. It is also important that you are very familiar with the requirements of all Tasks of the Teaching Event early in the semester and respond to the Task prompts in a timely manner so that when you complete your videotaping you will have completed a majority of the first four of five Tasks

6. Will successfully passing the Teaching Event help me find a teaching position?

You will not be recommended for a preliminary credential unless you have passed the PACT Teaching Event. So in this way, passing the Teaching Event makes you eligible to apply for teaching positions. Indirectly, since the purpose of the TPA is to assess your skills as a beginning teacher, the process should give you confidence in pursuing a teaching position. In addition, the Teaching Event represents evidence of your teaching. It is possible that interviewers may desire to see an example of your planning, a video of your teaching, or a sample of your instruction and assessment strategies. You may chose to share portions of your Teaching Event in those situations. The experience should also prepare you for your beginning teacher induction program, e.g., BTSA, and it is possible that your induction mentor will want to learn about your experience with the Teaching Event as a beginning point for developing your induction plan. At the same time, employers are unlikely to ask to see Teaching Event score reports; the fact that you have earned a preliminary credential will typically be satisfactory evidence that you meet minimum criteria for a teaching position

7. What if my students really act up on the video or if my carefully planned lessons or activities did not work?

Prepare your students for the days you video tape by explaining the purpose of the video and your expectations of their behavior. You may want to tape one or two class periods before the lessons you plan to use for your Teaching Event, thus acclimating your class to the presence of a video camera. If your students’ behaviors or your lessons do not meet your expectations, respond to the Task prompts honestly, focusing on your reflections. Remember, you are a student teacher and the scorers want to know if you can meet certain expectations as well as if you recognize your teaching behaviors and where you need to improve

8. Should I keep a copy of all the materials, including the video?

Yes, you should keep both a hard copy and digital copy of your Teaching Event. Although your faculty takes the utmost care of your materials, many candidates’ Teaching Events are sent to the assessing agency for additional reading and there is also always the possibility of your material being misplaced. Also see FAQ #5 for ways you may use your Teaching Event