1. EISD Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System T-TESS
Overview for Teachers
Today we’re going to talk briefly about the new State recommended evaluation systems for both teachers and campus administrators.

2. Timeline
Timeline Pilot Year, in selected districts Refinement Year, in selected districts Statewide Rollout,
Student Growth requirement,
This is the timeline for the new system’s development and ultimate roll-out statewide.

3. Texas Teacher Standards
– Purpose: The standards identified in this section are performance standards to be used to inform the training, appraisal, and professional development of teachers.
This slide just shows that there are 6 Texas Teacher Standards. This evaluation system, specifically the rubric, will further define best practice for each of these standards. This gives us all in the state a common language to talk about quality teaching and learning.

4. T-TESS Purpose Formalize what highly effective educators already do
Develop habits of self-assessment, reflection, and adjustment
Collaborative, supportive cultures
This is straight from the training but defines the purpose of the evaluation system as a whole. I would just read each of these bullets or have teachers read and discuss in partners.

5. Goal Setting and Professional Development Plan
Full Appraisal Cycle
Goal Setting and Professional Development Plan
Pre-Conference
Formal Observation (45 minutes) + walkthroughs and additional observations
Post-Conference
End of Year Conference

6. Annual Appraisal Process

7. Four Domains of the T-TESS Rubric
This slide is a picture of the rubric organization.
4 Domains - Planning, Instruction, Learning Environment, Professional Practices and Responsibilities
16 Dimensions
Important Note: The top 3 Domains are evaluated each observation. The bottom Domain (PPR) is only evaluated at the end because it is a year long process.

8. Example of the T-TESS Rubric
This is the stylized version of the rubric. We’ve placed a copy of the full rubric in the shared folder for you to work with this spring.

9. T-TESS Rubric
Domain
We’re just talking through what to call each part of the rubric
4 Domains
Planning
Instruction
Learning Environment
Professional Practices and Responsibilities

10. T-TESS Rubric
Dimension
16 Dimensions

11. Descriptors T-TESS Rubric
Multiple Descriptors for each Performance Category - These descriptor further define what teachers should know and be able to do.

12. Performance Levels T-TESS Rubric 5 Performance Levels
I would also talk about the word proficient here and really drive home that the committee defined Proficient as “rock-solid” teaching. We would all love for the term proficient to go away BUT it is a statutory term. We have to reframe our understanding of this term because as we dive into the rubric we’ll see what it takes to be Accomplished and Distinguished. We’re ALL going to work to improve our practice to move to the left but Proficient should be understood as quality teaching.
REMEMBER: This system is about growth! It is okay to be wherever you are on the rubric...it’s just not okay to be content to stay there. This helps us ALL to focus on improvement even if we’re already good!

13. Goal Setting and Professional Development Plan
Goal setting and professional development planning allows teachers to make decisions for professional growth, and allows teachers the opportunity to self- assess and reflect on their practices, performance, and student data.
Allows the teacher and the appraiser to work together to establish goals and a plan of professional development for growth.

14. Pre-Conference Meeting
The overall purpose of the pre-conference is for the appraiser and teacher to mutually discuss the upcoming lesson observation with a focus on the interrelationships between planning, instruction, the learning environment, and student outcomes.
Pre-Conference meeting will take place prior to an announced observation.

15. Observations and Walkthroughs
-A formal, announced 45-minute observation will take place after the pre- conference. The formal observation will cover Domains 1-3.
-Additional observations may take place at the discretion of the appraiser and may occur at the discretion of the appraiser that will not require a pre-conference meeting and are not required to be scheduled in advance.
-In addition to observations, walkthroughs will also take place at the discretion of the appraiser. Walkthroughs are not prescheduled or announced.

16. Post Conference Meeting
The overall purpose of the post-conference is to provide teachers opportunities to self-reflect on the execution of their lessons with guidance and support from their appraiser.
Results from the post-conference are used to inform and guide teacher’s future practices and growth.

17. End of Year Conference
During the End of Year conference the teacher and appraisers will discuss final scores for domains 1-3, review evidence for Domain 4 and discuss next year’s goals and professional development.

18. Performance Levels T-TESS Rubric 5 Performance Levels
I would also talk about the word proficient here and really drive home that the committee defined Proficient as “rock-solid” teaching. We would all love for the term proficient to go away BUT it is a statutory term. We have to reframe our understanding of this term because as we dive into the rubric we’ll see what it takes to be Accomplished and Distinguished. We’re ALL going to work to improve our practice to move to the left but Proficient should be understood as quality teaching.
REMEMBER: This system is about growth! It is okay to be wherever you are on the rubric...it’s just not okay to be content to stay there. This helps us ALL to focus on improvement even if we’re already good!

19. T-TESS Performance Levels
The 'Proficient' performance level is representative of a 'Rock Solid' teacher.
With T-TESS , goal is to move beyond proficient to performance at the accomplished and distinguisehd levels.
Everyone in the school community is a public learner.
The ultimate outcome is improved student achievement.

20. T-TESS Orientation
Teachers will receive the official TTESS Orientation during August Staff Development Week. Late hires will be trained as needed by campus administration.

21. https://teachfortexas.org/
Additional Resources
Additional information and the T-TESS Teacher Handbook can be found on the Teach for Texas website at: