There have been related updates in recent years, including to Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Chapter 235, Subchapters A-D, as required by House Bill (HB) 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2023. The updates reorganize the teacher standards and introduce definitions that clarify expectations for educators and foster a shared understanding of key terms.  United ISD is one of 15 districts selected to pilot the T-TESS 2.

The revised standards name what teachers need to know and be able to do before entering the profession, and as part of their ongoing professional growth. This includes best practices in implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) products, the Science of Learning, Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Content-Based Language Instruction (CBLI), digital literacy and student work analysis. The updated appraisal system will clearly define excellent teaching and learning and support school systems’ ongoing efforts to enhance teacher effectiveness and improve student outcomes.