Setting up the T-TESS Evaluation Process

Eduphoria districts can choose between two versions of the T-TESS framework, T-TESS Alt D1 and T-TESS v2. 

T-TESS Alt D1 (Alternate Domain 1) Framework

According to the TEA, some districts currently utilize a variety of curricula that shift teacher responsibilities from lesson planning to lesson internalization. Rather than designing lessons, teachers internalize and adapt content for lesson plans that are already created.  

In 2024, the TEA released an alternate Domain 1 focusing on lesson internalization rather than planning. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, teachers may be appraised using Domain 1 or Alternate Domain 1 based on aligning a teacher’s responsibilities with either lesson planning or lesson internalization.

Eduphoria has created a framework for this option, T-TESS Alt D1. It is available to all customers and appears in the frameworks list.

T-TESS v2 Framework

The other available T-TESS framework is T-TESS v2. This updated version has the same dimensions as the original T-TESS but has the added feature of being locked.

Locked frameworks increase data fidelity within and across districts and allow for more easily updated and shared templates in the Eduphoria Community. Eduphoria creates, updates, and supports templates tied to the locked T-TESS V2 and T-TESS Alt D1 frameworks.

Identifying Locked Frameworks

Appraisal managers can access locked frameworks in the Framework section of Appraisal Management. 

A lock symbol displays before the name of locked frameworks. Locked frameworks cannot be edited or deleted from the system. 

The following locked frameworks are available in Strive:

• T-TESS v2 - A locked version of the T-TESS framework called T-TESS v2 has the same dimensions as the original T-TESS. If your district selects this framework, we recommend creating a new evaluation process and importing templates from the Eduphoria Community. This maintains access to historical data tied to the old framework. Learn more about Creating the Evaluation Process with the T-TESS v2 Framework. 
• T-TESS ALT D1 - A locked framework called T-TESS Alt D1 is a rubric from the TEA with an alternate version of Domain 1 for teachers who use packaged lesson plans. If your district selects this framework, you must create a new evaluation process and import the templates from the Eduphoria Community. Learn more about Creating the Evaluation Process with the T-TESS Alt D1 Framework. 
• T-SCESS - A locked version of the T-SCESS framework for counselors, created by the Lone Star State School Counselor Association. All of the templates for this process are available in the Eduphoria Community. Learn more about setting up the T-SCESS evaluation process. Learn more about Setting Up the T-SCESS Evaluation Process for Counselors. 
• T-PESS v2 - The version two (v2) locked version of the T-PESS framework is a renamed version of the T-PESS NEW framework that took effect in 2021. If your district previously used the locked T-PESS NEW framework, you do not need to change your T-PESS process or templates. If your district did not use the T-PESS NEW framework, learn more about Setting Up the T-PESS v2 Evaluation Process. 

Creating the Evaluation Process with the  T-TESS v2 Framework

If your district uses the locked T-TESS v2 framework, you must create a new evaluation process.

Step 1: Retire your existing T-TESS Appraisee type

1. Select the Appraisal Settings gear. Then select Appraisee Types under Configuration Options.

2. Select the existing T-TESS Teacher appraisee type you will no longer use.
3. Under Appraisee Type Details, change the title to z_OLD-T-TESS Teacher-DO NOT USE.
   Retitling drops the appraisee type to the bottom of the list and lets appraisers see it is no longer used.

Step 2:  Gather templates from the Eduphoria Community

1. Select the Appraisal Settings gear. Then select Eduphoria Community under Configuration Options.

2. Click the Refresh documents button (circle of green arrows) to ensure you have the most up-to-date options.

3. Download the following templates:

Note: Framework settings and tags are already set for templates imported from the community.

Step 3: Create a New T-TESS v2 Appraisal Type

1. Select the Appraisal Settings gear. Then select New Appraisee Type under Appraisee Type Options.

2. Type “T-TESS Teacher v2” in the Appraisee Type Title box, and click Next. 

3. Click Finish to close the wizard.

Step 4: Build a T-TESS v2 Process

1. Select T-TESS Teacher v2 under Appraisee Types.
2. Click the drop-down menu under Select Framework and select T-TESS v2.
3. Set up the evaluation process by creating and modifying steps and tasks in the Evaluation Process Template.
4. Assign the appropriate task type to each task as you create them.

Sample Process:

Step 5: Tie your tasks to the appropriate templates

Except for the Professional Goal and Student Goal, your tasks should be assigned the document task type, and the appropriate template must be attached. 

1. Select Update after attaching each template to its task type. 

Recommended Templates:

2. Select Update after each template selection.
3. Click Save after all selections are complete.

Your new T-TESS v2 process is now set up and ready to use. Appraisers must select the T-TESS v2 appraisee type for the teachers they appraise with this framework.

Creating the Evaluation Process with the T-TESS Alt D1 Framework

If your district uses the locked T-TESS Alt D1 framework, you must create a new evaluation process.

Step 1: Retire your existing T-TESS Appraisee type

1. Select the Appraisal Settings gear. Then select Appraisee Types under Configuration Options.

2. Select the existing T-TESS Teacher appraisee type you will no longer use.
3. Under Appraisee Type Details, change the title to z_OLD-T-TESS Teacher-DO NOT USE.
   Retitling drops the appraisee type to the bottom of the list and lets appraisers see it is no longer used.

Step 2: Gather templates from the Eduphoria Community

1. Select the Appraisal Settings gear. Then select Eduphoria Community under Configuration Options.

2. Click the Refresh documents button (circle of green arrows) to ensure you have the most up-to-date options.

3. Download the following templates: 

Note: Framework settings and tags are already set for templates imported from the community.

Step 3: Create a New T-TESS Alt D1 Appraisal Type

1. Select the Appraisal Settings gear. Then select New Appraisee Type under Appraisee Type Options. 

2. Type “T-TESS Teacher Alt D1” in the Appraisee Type Title box, and click Next. 

3. Click Finish to close the wizard.

Step 4: Build a T-TESS Alt D1 Process

1. Select T-TESS Teacher Alt D1 under Appraisee Types.
2. Click the drop-down menu under Select Framework and select T-TESS Alt D1.
3. Set up the evaluation process by creating and modifying steps and tasks in the Evaluation Process Template.
4. Assign the appropriate task type to each task as you create them.

Sample Process:

Step 5: Tie your tasks to the appropriate templates

Except for the Professional Goal and Student Goal, your tasks should be assigned the document task type, and the appropriate template must be attached. 

1. Select Update after attaching each template to its task type. 

Recommended Templates:

2. Select Update after each template selection.
3. Click Save after all selections are complete.

Your new T-TESS Alt D1 process is now ready to use. Appraisers must select the T-TESS Alt D1 appraisee type for the teachers they appraise with this framework.

Retiring Old Templates

Step 1: Go to each retired template in the Evaluation Templates section and edit the title to include and DO NOT USE and/or OLD.

Step 2: To move the retired templates to the bottom of the list, add a z_ at the beginning of each title. Ex: z_old walkthrough-do not use

DO NOT DELETE TEMPLATES

If you delete a template, you cannot run reports that include data from the templates.

Note: Do NOT delete templates. If you delete a template, you cannot run reports that include any data from the templates. Before you delete a template, a pop-up message displays with the following: “If you delete this template, data will no longer show in reports. Are you sure you want to delete?”