T-TESS FAQ’s for NISD Administrators

1.  When will the teachers be aware of the change to T-TESS?

We will work with the Communications department on including information to teachers about the change in the new evaluation system in the May district newsletter. We will also create an FAQ for teachers with links to T-TESS information and rubrics.

  1. When will our teachers be trained in T-TESS?

Campus administrators will provide a full day of T-TESS training in the August back-to-school training days. The presentations are fully-complete with all the materials and resources you will need to provide the training.

  1. When will we meet with teachers for the pre and post conference?

Administrators will cooperate with teachers on a preferred time of day to meet for a pre and post conference based on schedule availability, either during the teacher’s planning time or before/after school.

  1. What will we use when conducting informal observations/walkthroughs?

You can utilize any of the T-TESS, NISD, or campus-developed walkthrough protocols that have been designated for use in teacher evaluations. Just as with PDAS, the teacher should be aware of any of the protocols used for evaluative purposes and any evidence that could negatively impact their evaluation should be shared with them in writing within 10 days of the walkthrough. Please refer to the NISD chart for appropriate tools to use for evaluative purposes.

  1. What types of evidence will we need to collect during the school year for a teacher’s refinement area/professional development plan/end of the year report?

a.  Formal/Informal observations & walkthroughs

b.  Lesson plans

c.  Student data

d.  Professional development

e.  Goal progress

f.  Compliance with NISD guidelines, policies, etc.

g.  Written directives or memorandums

  1. When will a teacher be required to be on an intervention plan? Will it look different than a TINA (Teacher in Need of Assistance)?

An intervention plan must be developed when a teacher scores “Improvement Needed” in any domain. At the discretion of the principal, a formal or informal intervention plan may be developed at any time improvement is needed. Additional unannounced observations should be conducted to monitor a teacher’s progress on an intervention plan. The intervention plan will have the same format as previous growth plans with the exception of utilizing T-TESS Domains and verbiage. If any teacher is on a growth plan at the end of 16-17 that should extend to the next school year, it should be revised to align with the T-TESS Domains.

  1. What do we need to know about the first year of T-TESS?

For a teacher in the first year of appraisal under T-TESS, the “pre-conference” will consist of a meeting between the teacher and appraiser to assist with developing the goal-setting and professional development plan within the first six weeks of school. There will be an “observation pre-conference” prior to an announced observation. The pre-conference will be required to be in-person and within 5 working days prior to the scheduled observation.

  1. What pre-conferences are held in the second year and beyond of T-TESS?

After a teacher’s first year of T-TESS appraisal, there will be an “observation pre-conference” prior to an announced observation. The pre-conference will be required to be in-person and within 5 working days prior to the scheduled observation.

  1. Will we still have the NISD Alternate Appraisal instrument and if so, what will be the requirements?

Yes, we will still have an “alternate appraisal option” for teachers that qualify. All classroom teachers will be appraised with T-TESS for the 2016-17 school year. Requirements for the Alternate Appraisal Option are TBD. Texas Education Code still requires a teacher to participate in the goal setting, professional development plan, and end of year conference even when an alternate appraisal instrument is used.

  1. What if a teacher disagrees with the ratings from an observation?

The scores that you assign are based on the evidence collected during the 45 minute observation and the rubric. It isn’t about judgement, it’s about collecting factual evidence about behaviors. Each appraiser is required to go through T-TESS training and a certification test to maintain consistency among raters. Additional evidence collected throughout the school year, including informal walkthroughs and data shared in the summative conference, will be considered and may change the ratings in the end-of-year summative report.

  1. Will teachers still be able to request a second appraisal if they disagree with their observation?

Yes. A teacher must put the request in writing and submit to the HR Department. The HR Department will assign a certified appraiser.

  1. How does the Summative Report and End-of-Year conference differ from PDAS?

With T-TESS, the end of year conference is held prior to the administrator completing the written Summative Report. During the end-of-year conference, the teacher and administrator are required to (a) review data collected during the year, (b) review Domain IV evidence, and (c) identify potential goals for the next year. Teachers complete part II of their professional development plan prior to the end-of-year conference to document their progress toward their goals. The written Summative Report is completed and must be provided to the teacher within 10 working days from the date of the conference.

  1. What type of evidence should we collect for the “Planning” domain?

Lesson plans, participation in campus/district staff development, PLC participation, observations, data, any other relevant documentation

  1. What type of evidence should we collect for the “Professional Practices & Responsibilities” domain?

Professional Demeanor and Ethics: Documentation regarding teacher following Code of Ethics, district policies, campus expectations, professionalism, etc.

Goal Setting: Development of short and long-term goals, ability to self-assess progress toward goals.

Professional Development: Team collaboration, participation & attendance of PLC’s, following professional development plan, attending staff development to improve performance.

School Community Involvement: Communication with parents, outreach, supporting campus mission/goals, etc.

  1. Will the T-TESS timelines be different than PDAS timelines?

We will provide you with a calendar for T-TESS timelines. They are very similar to the PDAS timelines. All classroom teachers must attend a full day T-TESS orientation and will submit a goal setting and professional development plan to their appraiser within the first six weeks after completing the orientation.

  1. Will we still have Eduphoria to complete the T-TESS observations electronically?

Yes. Eduphoria is currently working on a new program for T-TESS called “STRIVE” and is projected to release in Summer 2016.

  1. What will be used for evaluating Principals and Assistant Principals?

At this time the plan is to use the current local evaluation instrument we have in place for Assistant Principals and Principals.

Additional Information on T-TESS can be found on the following links:

Teach for Texas

https://teachfortexas.org/default.aspx The Teach for Texas Portal is an interactive, web-based tool that provides real-time access to resources and materials which support the Texas educator evaluation system. This system was designed based on best practices and serves as the basis for providing ongoing, specific feedback and support to teachers as an effective means of continuous improvement to refine professional practices.

Region XI

http://www.esc11.net/domain/790

Proposed Commissioner Rules concerning Teacher Evaluation

http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Laws_and_Rules/Commissioner_Rules_(TAC)/Proposed/15_11_Proposed_Repeal_of_and_New_19_TAC_Chapter_150,_Subchapter_AA/