Understanding Observations
Understanding Observations
Embedded Files
Teachers in eligible assignments under the local designation system will be included in the data capture year. To receive TIA funding, the data must be validated and the system approved. To qualify for a designation, teachers must have at least one full observation and student growth data. The district will set the cut points for both. T-TESS is included to support both teacher and student growth. Every eligible teacher will receive at least one full observation each year.
What's observed?
What's observed?
Domain 2
Domain 2
Think of this as your interactions with students, behavior monitoring, expectations, and arrangement of physical classroom space.
Domain 3
Domain 3
This section includes explanation of the content, student participation, quality of student engagement, the structure of the lesson, and monitoring and feedback.
Dimension scores for Domains 2 and 3 are used in data validation process. Districts may opt to use scores for Domains 1 and 4 in their optional component category.
What is the T-TESS best practice?
What is the T-TESS best practice?
Teachers take time to reflect on their current practices, set growth goals, make a plan to improve, and track their progress throughout the year.
Actively participating in the T-TESS process is key to growing as a professional. Use the full rubric to guide your reflection and goal setting.
Teacher Resources
Teacher Resources
T-TESS_Teacher_Handbook.pdfT-TESS Handbook
T-TESS Handbook
T-TESS_Rubric.pdfFull T-TESS Rubric
Full T-TESS Rubric
T-TESS Video Samples
T-TESS Video Samples
Go watch some T-TESS samples and grade the teacher using the rubric! Once you're finished check the evidence to see if you're correct.
Need instructional ideas for T-TESS observations? Ask ChatGPT.
The T-TESS Entry Point
The T-TESS Entry Point
To be considered for a designation with TIA, a teacher must receive at least a 3.75 average T-TESS score from domains 2 & 3.
Teachers who earn Developing in any dimension are not eligible for TIA, regardless of overall average.
How can a teacher determine their teacher observation score?
How can a teacher determine their teacher observation score?
Take your performance level for each of the 8 dimensions and use the following chart to change those levels into a number:
Improvement Needed = 1
Developing = 2
Proficient = 3
Accomplished = 4
Distinguished = 5
Now add all 8 numbers together and divide by 8 to determine your teacher observation average.
Questions to ask your appraiser after your feedback meetings to continue growth.
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