II. Instruction

T-TESS Rubric 

Domain Two: Instructions

1. Achieving Expectations

2. Content Knowledge and Expertise

3. Communication

4. Differentiation

5. Monitor and adjust

2.1 ACHIEVING EXPECTATIONS: high, challenging expectations, mastery of the objective, student mistakes/self-corrections, student initiative/self-monitoring

The teacher supports all learners in their pursuit of high levels of academic and social-emotional success. 

• Academic and social-emotional expectations for themselves: How do I help students establish high expectations for themselves?

  • Why Social and Emotional Learning is Essential for Students

  • Fundamentals of SEL

  • 38 Simple Ways to Integrate Social-Emotional Learning Throughout the Day

• Student Initiative/Challenging Expectations

  • Authentic Assessments Grasp Model

  • Other resources (only available to Meridian teachers for copyright reasons)

• Time Management: Initiative and Self Monitoring: How do I allow for opportunities for students to self-monitor and self-correct mistakes?

  • The Eisenhower Matrix and Examples of Matrix

  • Action Plan Template

  • Mind Tools on Action Plans

  • Managing Google Drive and Color Coding Google Drive and Naming Google Drive Folders

  • Self Monitoring Interventions

• Achieving Expectations

  • 60 Second Strategy Closing the Loop

2.2 CONTENT KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE: content knowledge in multiple contexts, cross-disciplinary instruction, anticipate misunderstandings, higher order thinking skills, sequencing and linking instruction

The teacher  uses content and pedagogical expertise to design and execute lessons aligned with state standards, related content, and student needs. 

• Anticipating Student Misunderstandings: How do I plan for misunderstandings or misconceptions?

  • Planning for Misconceptions

• Critical Thinking: How do I allow for different types of thinking in my classroom (e.g. analytical, creative, research-based)?

  • SOAPSTone reading strategy

  • Critical reading for MYP78

  • Spider web discussion

  • 7 critical reading strategies and activities

  • Big 5 of text analysis

  • Frame Routine

  • Say something

  • Question the Author

  • Talk Read Talk Write

  • Graphic organizers Google Templates

  • Graphic Organizers from Teacher Tool Kit

  • Quiz, Quiz, Grade

2.3 COMMUNICATION: two-way communication, teacher to student, peer to peer, verbal and written communication, questioning/wait time, technology/visual tools

The teacher clearly and accurately communicates to support persistence, deeper learning, and effective effort. 

• Talk Moves Sentence stems

• Peer Review and Feedback

  • Critical Friends Review

  • Peer Feedback Choice Board

  • Peer Review, Checklist 

  • Peer Review Rubric

  • Rise Strategy Peer Feedback Tool

• Discussion Strategies Student to Student

  • Six Hats Discussion Strategy for Debating Issues

  • Critical Response Strategy

  • 10 Public Speaking Games and Activities to Play

  • Elevator Pitch: Wow, How, Now

  • Clarifying: Clarify, Probe, Recommend

  • Modeling Giving Feedback Student to Student: Reflecting on your experiences and giving/receiving feedback

  • Carousel Brainstorming

  • Cooperative Learning Strategies, Focus Four

  • Four Corners

  • Walk, Talk, Decide

  • Big List of Classroom Discussion Strategies

  • Questioning That Deepens Comprehension

  • 6 Scaffolding Strategies to Use with Your Students

  • Gamify your Classroom

  • How to Give More Authority in Classroom Discussions

• Feedback: Teacher to Student Thinking about your language

  • 6 Teacher Approved Tips for Faster Feedback

• Student Roles in Group Work

  • Roles and Roles Cards

• Teacher/Parent Communication

  • Teacher Parent Communication Strategies

2.4 DIFFERENTIATION: individualized lesson, monitoring participation and performance, differentiated content and methods (process), recognizing confusion and disengagement

The teacher differentiates instruction, aligning methods and techniques to diverse student needs. 

• Differentiation

  • Differentiation Checklist

  • MacFarland’s Presentation on Differentiation

  • Infographic

  • Overview Models for Differentiation

  • Differentiated Thinking Tools & Strategies

  • Overview Models for Differentiation

  • Read and Write Extension for Google Chrome

  • 3 Ways to Plan for Diverse Learners

  • Teaching a Class with Big Ability Differences

  • Differentiation is not as hard as you think video

  • Understanding the Learning Process to Effectively Differentiate Instruction

• Accommodations

  • ELL Accommodations

  • ELL Instructional Accommodations List

  • ELL Edutopia

  • Accommodations Website

  • Accommodations & Modifications

  • Dottie’s Accommodations  Presentation

  • Differentiation Strategies for Disorders and Impairments

  • Text to Speech Read & Write Google Extension

  • 504 Accommodations Guide

  • Iris Center on Accommodations

• Note Taking

  • Sketchnoting

  • Cornell Note Taking

  • Research Notes

  • Google Graphic Organizers

  • Concept Mapping

2.5 MONITOR AND ADJUST: monitor and adjust instruction and activities, adjustments to maintain engagement, checking for understanding, questioning, offering feedback

The teacher formally and informally collects, analyzes, and uses student progress data and makes needed lesson adjustments. 

• Maintain Engagement

  • White Board Wipe Out

  • Student Engagement: Resource Round Up

  • How to Engage Underperforming Students

  • Small Teaching Strategies (Lang)

• Questioning

  • Questioning Techniques: Question Starts

  • Question Creation Chart

• How to Monitor and Adjust Instruction

  • Class Craft's Article: "How to Guide and Monitor Student Learning"

  • Five Monitoring Techniques to Deepen Student Learning

  • Department of Education's Workshop for Strategies for Monitoring Student Progress and Giving Feedback

• Using Data to Inform Instruction

  • Study.com's video