Requesting an Alternative to Video Evidence: Instructions, Options, and Decisions

If you are seeking initial teacher licensure in Illinois, please contact edTPAEPPSupport@pearson.com for guidance and instructions for submitting an alternative to video evidence.

A video recording is the most authentic evidence of teaching and learning. However, teacher candidates may encounter situations in which the setting or reason prohibits video recording due to safety or security concerns or other factors that inhibit candidates from collecting evidence for Task 2, Part A video evidence as directed in the edTPA Submission Requirements PDF. NOTE: These guidelines and instructions also apply to video evidence for Task 3.

List of Settings and Reasons for Requesting Alternative to Video Evidence

The following is a list of settings and reasons whereby candidates may be required to collect alternative to video evidence:

  • Any setting where a candidate has a concern for personal safety
  • Hospitals
  • Juvenile correctional facilities or court schools
  • Military base classrooms
  • Psychiatric facilities
  • Religious reasons prohibiting images of persons
  • Special education settings
  • Virtual learning environments (VLE), when policy prohibits video recording

Note: Candidates who are not employed by the school or school district must work with their Educator Preparation Program to identify another placement if the school or school district does not allow video recording in any classroom for reasons other than participating in a VLE from home, safety, security, or privacy.

Instructions to Request Verification for an Alternative to Video Evidence

Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) or building level administrators (for unaffiliated candidates) should work with the candidate to:

  1. Determine if the setting or reason will allow the candidate to capture synchronous evidence of instruction necessary to score Task 2.
    • Note: Consider any alternative to video evidence that may be necessary for Task 3 (i.e., student work samples, feedback, academic evidence of language usage).
  2. Review the Options, Decisions, and Instructions for Submitting an Alternative to Video Evidence listed below with the candidate.
  3. Download and complete the Excel file Verification for Alternative Evidence download spreadsheet in fulfillment of edTPA Task 2, Part A (and Task 3 video evidence). Please note that information for both tabs of the Excel file must be completed.
  4. Submit the form to edTPA EPP Support at edTPAEPPSupport@pearson.com.

Instructions After Verification

Once verification has been approved, edTPA EPP Support will notify the candidate and send the following form: REQUEST TO SUBMIT ALTERNATIVE TO VIDEO EVIDENCE in fulfillment of edTPA Task 2, Part A (and Task 3 if applicable). Candidates must complete this form a minimum of TWO WEEKS prior to submitting their edTPA portfolio. This request will be reviewed to verify that the proposed alternative evidence is likely to provide the evidence needed to score the portfolio. Upon approval, candidates will receive a notification from edTPA Customer Support. NOTE: If candidates submit alternative evidence for their Task 2, Part A submission (and Task 3 if applicable) without prior approval through edTPA Customer Support, the evidence will NOT be scored.

Candidates must follow all directions in their edTPA subject-specific handbook WITH THE SOLE EXCEPTION of the directions for submitting a video recording. If candidates are completing edTPA in a VLE, they should review Evidence Requirements and Considerations for edTPA in a Virtual Learning Environment PDF. Candidates should also review the options and follow the applicable decision and instructions listed below that will allow them to capture the appropriate alternative to video evidence that will be scored according to the edTPA rubrics. Please note that these decisions and instructions only apply to candidates whose EPPs or building level administrators (for unaffiliated candidates) have verified their candidates' ability to capture alternative to video by submitting the required form (see steps #3 and #4, noted above, for how to access and submit the Verification for Alternative Evidence download spreadsheet).

Options, Decisions, and Instructions for Submitting Alternative to Video Evidence

Alternative Evidence Options

Below in the Flow Chart for Selecting the Appropriate Option to Submit an Alternative to Video Evidence, there are options to help candidates determine which type of alternative evidence they will submit. Candidates must consider the learning goals and activities within their learning segment and work with their EPP or building level administrator (for unaffiliated candidates) to determine which of the alternative evidence options listed is most appropriate. After identifying the option, candidates, in partnership with their EPP or building level administrator (for unaffiliated candidates), should review and follow the Decisions and Instructions for Alternative to Video Evidence before teaching the learning segment.

chart outlining alternative evidence options

Flow Chart for Selecting the Appropriate Option to Submit an Alternative to Video Evidence

Is the candidate able to audio record their teaching and students' learning?

  • Yes
    • Do the learning goals require students to physically perform or physically demonstrate learning (for example, demonstrating psychomotor skills, using manipulatives or other materials, pointing to an answer, correct finger placement on a musical instrument)?
      • Yes
        • Is the candidate able to submit the audio clip(s)?
          • Yes: Follow the decision and instructions for Option A: Audio Clip(s) with Observation Notes.
          • No: Follow the decision and instructions for Option B: Transcript of Audio Clip(s) with Observation Notes.
      • No
        • Is the candidate able to submit the audio clip(s)?
          • Yes: Follow the decision and instructions for Option C: Audio Clip(s).
          • No: Follow the decision and instructions for Option D: Transcript of Audio Clip(s).
  • No
    • Do the learning goals require students to physically perform or physically demonstrate learning (e.g., pointing to an answer, motor skills, correct finger placement on a musical instrument)?
      • Yes: Follow the decision and instructions for Option E: Observation Notes for Physical Performance.
      • No: Follow the decision and instructions for Option F: Observation Notes.

Decisions and Instructions for Collecting and Submitting Alternative to Video Evidence


Top of Page