Texas Teacher  Evaluation & Support  System (T-TESS)

T-TESS is a process that seeks to develop habits of continuous improvement, and the process itself best leads to that outcome when appraisers and teachers focus on evidence-based feedback and professional development decisions based on that feedback through ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

3 Parts

1. Goal-setting and professional development plan

2. The evaluation cycle (including: pre-conference, observation, post-conference)

3. Student growth measure (SLO)

Helpful Links

• T-TESS Process

  • T-TESS Teacher Handbook

  • T-TESS Rubric

  • T-TESS Teacher Resources

• Goal Setting

  • How to T-TESS and SLO (Mr. Casteneda's presentation for Meridian teachers)

  • Example of T-TESS Goals from State

  • T-TESS Rubric and Documentation (helpful for tracking evidence for goals and domains)

• Observations & Ratings

  • Look For’s Presentation

  • Success Criteria, CrossWalk, Teacher Rating

• End of Year Conference

  • T-TESS End of Year Conference Overview

• Student Learning Objectives (SLO)

  • Student Learning Objectives Implementation Guide for Teachers

  • What are Student Learning Objectives? 

  • Mrs. MacFarland's How to SLO

  • Initial Skills Profile (ISP)/Targeted Skills Profile (TSP)

    • Teacher Orientation Manual for SLO (Examples of ISP/TSP)

    • Examples of ISP and TSP from State, side by side

  • Data Tracking

    • Data Tracking Spreadsheet Template

    • Eduphoria

      • Eduphoria 

      • Quick Reference Guide (Draft)

Evaluation Schedule 

September:  

Goal Setting Meeting with Appraiser

• Before meeting teachers submit personal growth goal and Student Learning Objective (SLO) to admin via Eduphoria. 

• During meeting: Admin will review goals and approve them. 

October - early March: Observations

This event consists of a pre-conference, observation, and post conference. Teachers should be prepared to discuss the planning that went into the lesson during the pre-conference. 

Nov-Dec: SLO Mid Year Check

• Before meeting: Make sure you have three TSP data points (in addition to the ISP) recorded in Eduphoria. Additional evidence should be uploaded as evidence (examples of high, mid, low work samples). Note: Although you don't have to upload the same kids each time as evidence, you will want to show growth at the end of the year summative review about how specific students grew from beginning to the end of the year, so evidence will be needed. 

First week in April: Last Data Point Due

• By the first week in April, teachers need a minimum of five data points for the Targeted Skills Profile in addition to the Initial Skills Profile. This includes the last data point and your overall evaluation of student progress. Teachers should have uploaded evidence for both T-TESS and SLO to show evidence of progress. 

Beginning of April to early May: End of Year Summative and SLO Review

Before meeting, teachers should make sure SLO data is complete and reflect on the personal T-TESS goal. 

August - March: Walk-throughs

Walk-throughs can take place at any time by any administrator. Walk-throughs help admin to stay knowledgeable about what is going on in the classroom. They also provide opportunities to collect evidence for the final evaluation. 

Evaluation

Teachers will be evaluated on the T-TESS Rubric, which is made up of 4 Domains. 

T-TESS Rubric 

The T-TESS Rubric is made of 4 Domains and 16 Dimensions

Domain One: Planning (Communicate during Pre Conference with Evaluator)

1. Standards and Alignment

2. Data and Assessment

3. Knowledge of Students

4. Activities

Domain Two: Instructions (Observation)

1. Achieving Expectations

2. Content Knowledge and Expertise

3. Communication

4. Differentiation

5. Monitor and adjust

Domain Three: Learning Environment (Observation)

1. Classroom Environment, Routines, and Procedures

2. Managing Student Behavior

3. Classroom Culture

Domain Four: Professional and Practices and Responsibilities (Final Evaluation)

1. Professional Demeanor and Ethics

2. Goal Setting

3. Professional Development

4. School Community Involvement

FAQ

What if the Evaluator didn’t see a dimension?

• Elements not observed in the formal observation can be observed in walkthroughs and recorded as part of the final evaluation

What if I don’t agree with my evaluator?

• You can request an additional evaluation

• You can request an alternative evaluator if you believe there is bias

What if I am not happy with my observation?

• You can request an additional observation

• Your evaluator can also request that you complete an additional observation