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 on the TIATexas.org website can help you connect it with T-TESS.
If a district creates its own evaluation method, it must align with certain sections 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 Teacher Full Evaluation
T-TESS Teacher Waiver
T-PESS Principals
T-PESS Assistant Principals
Counselors (T-SCESS or TEMPSC)
Campus Staff
District Staff
Learn more about setting up the T-TESS process in Strive.