TEA seeks teacher input on proposed T-TESS Domain 1 alternative

TEA is seeking applicants for a committee that will review and provide input on a potential new T-TESS Alternate Domain 1, which would better align with curriculum systems that shift teacher responsibilities from lesson planning to lesson internalization.

As proposed, T-TESS Alternate Domain 1 will include adjustments that support increased alignment between lesson internalization and the observation rubric in the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System. According to TEA, the end goal is that both the current Domain 1 and the Alternate Domain 1 will be available for district use.

Committee members are expected to attend a virtual meeting on Nov. 10, 2022, and complete pre-work prior to the session. Interested participants should submit a committee application by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23.

According to TEA, several districts currently utilize a variety of curriculum that shift teacher responsibilities from lesson planning to lesson internalization. Some districts develop their own local curriculum that include daily lessons, activities and assessments, while others select state provided resources through initiatives such as High Quality Instructional Materials. Rather than designing lessons, teachers are internalizing content and lesson plans that have already been created and are focused on identifying the impactful instructional moves that will support all students.

As a result of this shift in instructional practices TEA is taking a deeper look at teacher responsibilities as they internalize lessons, and TEA wants to ensure its current appraisal system accurately represents the expectations of all teachers.