The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) supports instruction and student performance and includes an evaluation rubric, goal-setting, and an embedded student growth measure. T-TESS aims to promote a growth mindset among educators by providing tools for self-reflection and continuous, purposeful feedback from appraisers and observers. If you have any questions regarding T-TESS, please get in touch with Jeff Smith.

Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) is also required for any T-TESS participant who will be appraising teachers. These two trainings are both required but may be taken in either order. The lone exception is that those who have an Instructional Leadership Development (ILD) certificate from prior to 2016 are exempt from taking AEL. Please see the AEL page for more information about that training or the Texas Administrative Code (§150.1005 (c)) for details on the training requirement.

Alternate Domain I T-TESS Rubric for Lesson Internalization

With the recent update to Chapter 150 rules, school systems will have the option to use the newly adopted Alternate Domain I T-TESS Rubric. This rubric is applicable and may be used for appraisals when a teacher's instructional preparation shifts from lesson planning to lesson internalization. 

School systems deciding to implement Alternate Domain I rubric must align timelines for local policy change for it to be in effect before teacher evaluations start. Appraisers implementing the Alternate Domain I T-TESS Rubric in the 2024-25 school year are required to complete the new Alternate Domain I training module prior to evaluating teachers using this tool. This training is designed to ensure compliance with the latest regulations, enhance the effectiveness of the teacher appraisal process, and support the effective use of the Alternate Domain I Rubric.

For additional guidance regarding training requirements please review the T-TESS Alternate Domain I Training Flowchart.

Update for Certified T-TESS Appraisal Trainers

All current T-TESS trainers must attend an updated two-hour Trainer of Trainers (TOT) regarding the new Alternate Domain I rubric. This will include an overview of related updates to the three-day T-TESS Appraiser Certification Training. Multiple training opportunities will be offered for T-TESS trainers to complete this session in May 2024. The ESC 13 Appraisal Hub will send an email to all active trainers at the address on their T-TESS account with training dates and registration information. Information can also be found by emailing support@teachfortexas.org.

Reminders and Updates

• The official T-TESS website has undergone an extensive update to provide a more user-friendly experience and easier access to important resources. The website is now available for use, and all administrators, teachers, and staff are encouraged to explore the updated features.
• All T-TESS appraisers and district contacts should maintain updated information on their T-TESS account on the T-TESS website. School system T-TESS Administrators should remind appraisers to update their contact information so that school systems’ reports accurately reflect local appraiser certifications. Instructions on how to update school system information can also be found on the website.
• The Annual T-TESS Survey for appraisers and teachers was emailed to district T-TESS administrators and superintendents on April 30, 2024. The survey will close on June 5, 2024. All appraisers and teachers using the T-TESS instrument should be provided with a chance to complete the survey. School systems should encourage participation in this anonymous statewide survey.

T-TESS Appraiser Calibration is a great way to ensure fidelity and results for the Teacher Incentive Allotment. A half-day rubric refresher is capped off with an afternoon of appraisal practice and on-campus calibration, giving evaluators and leaders an opportunity to check their practices with one another. We can also provide ongoing calibration support to ensure that the coaching aspect of T-TESS is productive and fair.

T-TESS Appraiser Calibration is also recommended for districts that want to ensure that the evaluation process is being implemented with fidelity across their campuses and district-wide. 

Contact Jeff Smith if you would like to schedule T-TESS Appraiser Calibration