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.

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