Teachers

• 
  Orientation
  
  
• 
  Goal-Setting
  
  
• 
  Pre-Conference
  
  
• 
  Observations
  
  
• 
  Post-Conference
  
  
• 
  End-of-Year-Conference

Campus leaders conduct orientation session(s) for teachers who are new to T-TESS to familiarize them with the T-TESS process, its components, key staff roles and responsibilities, information and resources available during implementation, where to seek assistance, and how to develop and implement goals and professional development plans. The orientation serves as an initial overview that is supported with ongoing learning opportunities, thereafter.

For a brief overview of the entire evaluation process, check out this year at a glance timeline.

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Aligned with the notion of continuous improvement, the goal-setting and professional development processes are interwoven throughout the year to positively impact performance. Teachers authentically engage in reflection about current professional practices using teacher and student data, identify professional growth goals, establish and implement a professional development plan to attain those goals, and track progress toward the goals over the course of the year.

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Documents to Download:

• Goal-Setting and PD Plan Template.docx
• Goal-Setting and PD Plan Guidance and Sample
• Goal-Setting and PD Plan Process- Appraiser and Teacher Overview

Training Module:

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observation

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.

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Documents to Download:

• Planning Domain Collecting Evidence
• T-TESS Appraiser Sample Conferencing Questions

Training Module:

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As tied to the Texas Teacher Standards for Professional Practice, the T-TESS multi-dimensional observation tool is used in conjunction with collected evidence to evaluate and inform each teacher’s performance and professional needs as an ongoing system of continuous improvement to ultimately impact student performance.

Ideally, multiple formal and informal observations are used throughout the year to provide teachers with actionable, timely feedback, allowing teachers to make efficient and contextual professional development choices that lead to refinement in their practices.

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Documents to Download:

• Observation Evidence Sheet.docx
• T-TESS Self-Reflection.docx
• T-TESS Rubric- Stylized Version
• T-TESS Rubric- Working Copy
• Teacher Domain-Dimension Overview
• T-TESS Documentation Recommendations
• T-TESS Skill Dimension Crosswalk
• T-TESS Calibration Protocol.docx

Training Module:

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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 the administrators or teacher leaders who conducted the evaluation, including the impact on student performance. Results are used to inform and guide the teacher’s future practices and growth.

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Documents to Download:

• Post-Conference Plan Template
• T-TESS Appraiser Sample Conferencing Questions

Training Module:

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The End-of-Year (EOY) Conference provides an opportunity for the appraiser and the teacher to summarize the observations for Domains 1-3, formalize the evidence and score for Domain 4, and to discuss next year’s goal(s) and professional development plan.

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Documents to Download:

• Teachers: End-Of-Year Conference Overview
• Appraisers: End-Of-Year Conference Overview

Training Modules:

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• 
  Planning
  
• 
  Instruction
  
• 
  Learning Environment
  
• Professional Practices & Responsibilities

Calibration Resources

Advance your instruction and gain additional insight into the T-TESS appraisal process with a calibration training module, ESC provided trainings, and a collection of classroom lesson examples- at various grade levels- along with T-TESS rater scores to promote better calibration.

Calibration Training Module

T-TESS Appraiser Calibration Training by ESCs

The T-TESS Appraiser Calibration Training is designed to provide participants with a deeper dive into the calibration process, allowing users to engage in multiple calibration opportunities using the T-TESS rubric and two different protocols.

Download the Flyer

NOTE: This training is only offered by Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs.) Please contact your local ESC directly for dates and times.

Calibration Video Lessons

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.

Elementary Lessons

Middle School Lessons

High School Lessons

Additional Resources

Explore these resources to assist with teacher implementation of T-TESS. A complete list of available resources is provided on the Resources tab.