Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS)

Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, many districts began using the new state-recommended teacher evaluation system: the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System, or T-TESS.

TCTA has compiled this page with information and articles on T-TESS. Click on the links below to learn more about the program and the process.

TCTA's T-TESS Tools

TCTA's Legal Department is presenting a video series about T-TESS.

PART 1: LESSON PLANS

In the first installment, Dohn Larson, Director of Legal Services, debunks the myth that T-TESS requires teachers to prepare scripted, multipage lesson plans.
Click here to watch the video.
To download a transcript of the video, click here.
To view the commissioner's rules on T-TESS, click here.
Teach For Texas also offers many resources on T-TESS.

PART 2: PRE-CONFERENCES

In the second installment, Dohn Larson, Director of Legal Services, discusses the anatomy of the T-TESS Pre-Conference, explaining why it's needed, when it should take place, what teachers should expect and how to prepare.
Click here to watch the video.
To download a transcript of the video, click here.

PART 3: OBSERVATIONS, PART I

In the third installment, Dohn Larson, Director of Legal Services, starts a four-part look at T-TESS Observations. In Part 1, he presents an overview of observations and explains how T-TESS aims to put focus on teacher growth.
Click here to watch the video.
To download a transcript of the video, click here.

PART 4: OBSERVATIONS, PART II

In the fourth installment, Dohn Larson, Director of Legal Services, continues a four-part look at T-TESS Observations. In Part 2, he discusses who can appraise teachers and how appraisers use the rubric to evaluate teachers.
Click here to watch the video.
To download a transcript of the video, click here.

PART 5: OBSERVATIONS, PART III

In the fifth installment, Dohn Larson, Director of Legal Services, continues a four-part look at T-TESS Observations. In Part 3, he explains how T-TESS appraisers are taught to use scripting to gather evidence and apply it to the rubric to determine a teacher's performance rating.
Click here to watch the video.
To download a transcript of the video, click here.

PART 6: OBSERVATIONS, PART IV

In the sixth installment, Dohn Larson, Director of Legal Services, continues a four-part look at T-TESS Observations. In Part 4, he discusses how teachers can prepare for an observation.
Click here to watch the video.
To download a transcript of the video, click here.

Note: This material presented in this video series does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. TCTA provides this for information purposes only. TCTA members with questions about this information may call the TCTA Legal Department at 888-879-8282 to speak with a staff attorney.