Overview

As we make the transition from the initial development and pilot data collection of the TEAL II TPA, to operation of the system now to be known as VITAL (Virginia Improves Teaching and Learning) we have incorporated feedback from the initial data collection and subsequent interviews to make the TPA better. Some of the major changes are as follows: 1. Test score dates will now be entered in separate month and year fields and date will no longer be required, 2. The provision of four endorsement fields (including one identified as primary) as opposed to licensure program fields, and 3. Removal of all "student self-report" items from the TPA (A collection of surveys have been developed to work in conjunction with the TPA to obtain this information directly from students).

Users will still have the option of either uploding their data using Excel, Access, or Text files OR entering any of the different record types by hand. Please consult the help documentation for additional information on the submission options the TPA offers. Vire a side-by-side comparison of the Fall 2006 Beginning record to the newly updated Spring 2007 Beginning Record.

In addition to the record-specific files and documentation provided to assist you in preparing for the Spring 2007 data collection, we would like to draw your attention to new reports provided within the TPA that to be used during the data submission process: 1. The Export data reports, 2. The Validation Check report, and 3. The View Locked Status Report. The Export Data reports will allow you to archive a copy of the records that you submitted during the Fall 2006 collection, as the record (and the TPA database) will change for the Spring 2007 collection. You will be able to save a copy of the data that you originally entered into the TPA by running either of these reports. The Fall 2006 data that you entered regarding Licensure Program, and Program Type will be updated by SCHEV with the data you enter into the Spring 2007 Continuing record so that the system will be standardized. The Validation Check report provides the ability to check basic statistics such as headcount or average test scores by gender, race, and program type to ensure data are ready to be locked. Lastly, as you enter more records into the TPA for various reporting years and periods, you will the View Locked Status report to be an important reference. It will summarize the data you have entered and locked in chronological order as well as show you if you have unlocked data in the system.