Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (T-TESS) Updates for Appraisers and Trainers

The purpose of this communication is to provide school systems with Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (T-TESS) updates. These updates include the option to use and be trained on the Alternate Domain I T-TESS rubric for lesson internalization and general reminders and updates for appraisal. Alternate Domain I provides an option for school systems to evaluate lesson internalization in alignment with high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and House Bill (HB) 1605, 88th Regular Session. 

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.