Visual Arts
Instruction Commentary
Instruction Commentary Directions: Respond to the prompts below (no more than 6 single-spaced
pages, including prompts) by typing your responses within the brackets following each prompt. Do not
delete or alter the prompts; both the prompts and your responses are included in the total page count
allowed. Refer to the evidence chart in the handbook to ensure that this document complies with all
format specifications. Pages exceeding the maximum will not be scored.
As you answer these questions and add commentary about your instruction, cite the
number of the lesson plan and specific places in your video clips that you are
referring to using this format: Lesson # (clip # - min:sec–min:sec). For example, when
answering prompt 2 below, cite the lesson you are are referring to along with the specific
place in the video clip you selected that you are referring to in your commentary about
where your demonstration of mutual respect, etc. with students can be seen. Your statement
may look something like this: “During the introduction to Lesson #2 (clip 2 – 1:29–3:34) my
mutual respect for, rapport with and responsiveness to students with varied needs and
background is demonstrated when I …
NAME:
1. Which lesson or lessons are shown in the video clips? Identify the lesson(s) by lesson plan
number.
[ ]
2. Promoting a Positive Learning Environment
In response to the prompt, identify scenes in the video clips where you provided a positive
learning environment.
a. How did you demonstrate mutual respect for, rapport with, and responsiveness to
students with varied needs and backgrounds, and challenge students to engage in
learning?
[ ]
3. Engaging Students in Learning
Refer to examples from the video clips in your responses to the prompts.
a. Explain how your instruction engaged students as they applied their knowledge and
skills in creating and/or responding to visual art concepts incorporating form and
structure, production, art context, and/or personal perspective.
[ ]
b. Describe how your instruction linked students’ prior academic learning and personal,
cultural, and community assets with new learning.
[ ]
4. Deepening Student Learning during Instruction
Refer to examples from video the clips in your explanations.
a. Explain how you elicited student responses to promote thinking and develop knowledge
and skills related to form and structure, a medium of production, art context, and/or
personal perspective to create and/or respond to visual art.
[ ]
Copyright © 2013 Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University.
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All rights reserved.
V2_0913
The edTPA trademarks are owned by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. Use of the edTPA trademarks is
permitted only pursuant to the terms of a written license agreement.
Visual Arts
Instruction Commentary
b. Explain how in creating/responding to visual art you gave students the opportunity to
practice or apply a personal perspective in ways that deepened their understanding of
visual art concepts/contexts.
[ ]
5. Analyzing Teaching
Refer to examples from the video clips in your responses to the prompts.
a. What changes would you make to your instruction—for the whole class and/or for
students who need greater support or challenge—better support student learning of the
central focus (e.g., missed opportunities)?
Consider the variety of learners in your class who may require different strategies/support
(e.g., students with IEPs, English language learners, struggling readers, underperforming
students or those with gaps in academic knowledge, and/or gifted students).
[ ]
b. Why do you think these changes would improve student learning? Support your
explanation with evidence of student learning and principles from theory and/or
research.
[ ]
Copyright © 2013 Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University.
2 of 2 | 6 pages maximum
All rights reserved.
V2_0913
The edTPA trademarks are owned by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. Use of the edTPA trademarks is
permitted only pursuant to the terms of a written license agreement.