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T-TESS Refresh Content

T-TESS was initially launched in 2015 and is currently used by 89% of Texas school systems. As we mark its tenth anniversary and reflect on the time since its initial launch, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has identified an opportunity to refresh and improve the system to meet the evolving needs of Texas schools.

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.

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 standards will inform potential modifications to T-TESS that further support and align with initiatives observed in the field.

The T-TESS refresh is not designing a complete replacement, but instead, building on the strengths of the existing system. The goal of the refresh is to update and align key appraisal components based on national research, updates to educator standards, identified trends in T-TESS annual survey data, and feedback from stakeholders across the state. This process provides an opportunity to identify areas for refinement while recognizing the current strengths of T-TESS and maintaining the integrity of the current system. 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.

As TEA conducts planning and engagement related to the T-TESS refresh, regular updates will be provided on this page. For questions related to the T-TESS refresh, please email support@teachfortexas.org

Timeline

Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)

TEA has established a statewide Stakeholder Advisory Committee to review proposed updates to T-TESS. This group will provide feedback, inform implementation planning, and help ensure the revised system reflects the realities of classrooms across Texas. The committee includes classroom teachers, school system leaders, educator preparation faculty, and representatives from professional teacher organizations—ensuring a broad range of voices and expertise across Texas education.

Field Testing

This fall, TEA will field test the revised T-TESS rubric to ensure it yields consistent, instructionally aligned ratings. School systems interested in participating by providing access to K–12 classrooms are encouraged to connect with us.

•Purpose: Examine how teachers and observers engage with the rubric in real classroom settings.

•Commitment: One scheduled visit with school system leaders that provides access to between five and 10 diverse K-12 classrooms and an opportunity to connect with classroom teachers.

•Next Step for District Leaders: Please complete the T-TESS Field Test Interest Form if your school system is interested in supporting this important work and participating in field testing.

Resources

•Updated Chapter 149.AA, Commissioner’s Rules Concerning Educator Standards