Teacher Guidelines
The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support (T-TESS) System supports teachers and as part of the continuous improvement process, teachers consistently hold themselves to a high standard for individual development and performance. They identify methods to collaborate with other educational professionals within and beyond the school to engage in purposeful and targeted professional learning opportunities, seek feedback, and refine their practices and skills. Including the teacher in a systematic way allows him or her to take an active role in his or her professional growth and development.
Evaluation Process
The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support (T-TESS) System observation cycle includes a pre-conference, observation and post-conference, as the recommended cycle for supporting teachers. During the observation, appraisers capture detailed, strategically-scripted evidence and use this evidence in conjunction with the T-TESS dimensions and descriptors of the rubric to determine performance levels. Each aspect of the observation cycle is included in this section.
Rubric Training
Deepen your understanding of the T-TESS rubric with this series of module videos that explore the finer points of each dimension of the rubric.
Calibration Videos
Advance your instruction and gain additional insight into the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraisal process with the collection of classroom lessons at varied grade levels, along with T-TESS rater scores. These lessons are designed to be used for appraiser calibrations and professional development to highlight and improve performance on each of the T-TESS domains/dimensions at both the teacher and appraiser levels.
Check out these Elementary, Middle School, and High School video lessons below to calibrate your rating ability. Be sure to download the evidence rating sheets.