This article explains how to set up an evaluation process for the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). A vital component of TIA is ensuring teacher evaluations are accurate and reliable. To achieve this goal, TIA requires districts to use an approved rubric and follow specific procedures for observing teachers in the classroom.
T-TESS is a pre-made system that meets all the requirements for training, updating qualifications, and ensuring consistency among raters (appraisers). Districts can use T-TESS to guarantee that teacher observation data is accurate and reliable.
Other Texas TIA-approved rubrics include Danielson, Marzano, or NIET TAP. If your district uses one of these, a guide in the Teacher Observation section of the TIATexas.org website shows a crosswalk with T-TESS and outlines which indicators will be required for TIA reporting.
If a district creates its own evaluation method, it must align with sections 21.351 or §21.352 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) prior to developing a local designation system or submitting an application to participate in TIA.
Appraisee Types
Appraisee Types are created based on the job role’s evaluation process. Some districts use one teacher type, like T-TESS teacher, while others have multiple teacher types with different evaluation processes tied to them.
The separate Appraisee Types guide the appraiser and appraisee through the requirements to complete the evaluation process. Each Appraisee Type has associated steps, tasks, documents, and due dates provided for the evaluation process timeline. You only need a new Appraisee Type if the process’s steps and tasks differ.
Caution: Some reports are generated by Appraisee Types, so having multiple types could mean running the reports multiple times.
Examples of Appraisee Types
T-TESS V2 - Uses original T-TESS language, but is locked for data integrity.
T-TESS Alt D1 - Uses language for lesson internalization and is locked for data integrity.
T-TESS Teacher Waiver - Teachers who do not receive a formal observation. The district process can include this group, but these teachers will not be eligible for TIA.
Learn more about setting up the T-TESS process in Strive.