As a teacher candidate, navigating the complexities of the CalTPA (California Teaching Performance Assessment) can be a daunting task. One crucial aspect of this assessment is Cycle 1, which requires you to submit a series of templates that demonstrate your teaching skills and knowledge. In this article, we will break down the CalTPA Cycle 1 templates and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to complete them with ease.
Understanding the CalTPA Cycle 1 Templates
The CalTPA Cycle 1 templates are a set of four documents that you will need to complete and submit as part of your teaching performance assessment. These templates are designed to assess your ability to plan, teach, and assess student learning. The four templates are:
- Template 1: Context for Learning
- Template 2: Lesson Plan
- Template 3: Assessment Plan
- Template 4: Reflective Commentary

Template 1: Context for Learning
Template 1: Context for Learning requires you to provide information about the school, classroom, and students you will be teaching. This template helps to establish the context in which you will be teaching and assessing student learning.
- Provide demographic information about the school and students
- Describe the classroom environment and resources available
- Explain the teaching philosophy and approach you will be using
Template 2: Lesson Plan
Template 2: Lesson Plan requires you to create a detailed lesson plan that outlines the learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment methods. This template assesses your ability to plan instruction that is aligned with the state standards.
- Identify the learning objectives and standards being addressed
- Describe the instructional strategies and activities you will be using
- Explain how you will assess student learning during the lesson

Template 3: Assessment Plan
Template 3: Assessment Plan requires you to create an assessment plan that outlines how you will measure student learning during and after the lesson. This template assesses your ability to design assessments that are aligned with the learning objectives.
- Identify the assessment methods you will be using (e.g., quizzes, tests, projects)
- Describe how you will use the assessment data to inform instruction
- Explain how you will communicate assessment results to students and parents
Template 4: Reflective Commentary
Template 4: Reflective Commentary requires you to reflect on the lesson and provide commentary on the effectiveness of the instruction and assessment. This template assesses your ability to reflect on your teaching practice and identify areas for improvement.
- Reflect on the lesson and identify what worked well and what didn't
- Provide commentary on the effectiveness of the instruction and assessment
- Explain what you would do differently in the future

Tips for Completing the CalTPA Cycle 1 Templates
Here are some tips to help you complete the CalTPA Cycle 1 templates:
- Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked
- Use the state standards and framework to guide your responses
- Provide specific examples and evidence to support your responses
- Use a clear and concise writing style
- Edit and proofread your work carefully before submitting
CalTPA Cycle 1 Templates Gallery









Conclusion
Completing the CalTPA Cycle 1 templates can be a challenging task, but with the right guidance and support, you can achieve success. Remember to read the instructions carefully, use the state standards and framework to guide your responses, and provide specific examples and evidence to support your responses. By following these tips and using the templates provided, you can create a comprehensive and effective CalTPA Cycle 1 submission.
We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the CalTPA Cycle 1 templates. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Share your thoughts and experiences with completing the CalTPA Cycle 1 templates in the comments below.