Teacher Evaluation and Support System

Texas has a new teacher evaluation system called TESS or T-TESS.  T-TESS stands for Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System.   Every state has some kind of evaluation system for classroom teachers. 

IF YOU’RE NOT A PRINCIPAL IN TEXAS
This notepad is universal and will fit any state evaluation system, grade level or subject.  Today, I’m sharing how it is aligned to Texas.  There are 8 major sections included on the Classroom Observation Notepad: Student Engagement, Rigor Rate, Instructional Strategies, Focus on Instruction, Environment, Classroom Management, Culture and Additional Observations.  All of these eight major  sections are universal and could work in your state.  For example, instructional strategies are evident in every state, every grade and every subject area. 

ABOUT TESS or T-TESS?
T-TESS will be implemented this year in approximately 200 districts in Texas but will be statewide in 2016-17.  It measures teacher effectiveness in three areas- observation, teacher self-assessment and student growth.  Something that I think we will begin to see are teacher portfolios.  I know many states/districts already have them in place.  Portfolios allow a teacher to be evaluated not just based on  45 minute evaluation.  Instead, the portfolio allows a teacher to share their goals and provide evidence of successful teaching from beginning to end. These portfolios are considered artifacts and reflections in a notebook.  Portfolios can be electronic or a traditional hard binder.  As this begins to develop, I will share more details.  Feel free to comment below if you are required to have a portfolio. 

COMPARE TESS/T-TESS TO THE NOTEPAD
Below are snippets of the Texas Teacher Evaluation System from TEA.  A small snippet of the notepad is below to share how each Dimension has been included or addressed.

WHY USE THE NOTEPAD FOR CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS?
The notepad is an organizational tool which I find very helpful.  Even though, you might have an electronic system, this paper copy is quick, easy and can be filed for later reflection.  I too had the electronic system and I accessed in a classroom.  I find the paper-version practical and a time-saving tool.  When back in your office, just enter your notes in the online system if you have that available to you.  Keep the notes on file in your principal binder or filing system for the end-of-year summatives.

Order a Notepad Today – Two Designs

                                         TpT-Bliss                                           TpT-Journey
                                        Etsy-Bliss                                            Etsy-Journey