T-TESS Refresh

Context for T-TESS Updates 

(added Feb. 17, 2026)

T-TESS was initially launched in 2015 and is currently used by 89% of Texas public 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. More information about the process is available in the July 10, 2025, To the Administrator Correspondence: Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (T-TESS) Refresh Engagement and Future Updates.

The goal for these updates is to build on the strength of the existing system rather than replace it by better aligning key appraisal components with national research, the revised educator standards, and trends in T-TESS feedback, all informed by a statewide stakeholder engagement process. This work has refined targeted areas while preserving the system’s core strengths and integrity.

Stakeholder Engagement to Date

(added Feb. 17, 2026)

This fall, the TEA provided all educators, district leaders and partners with opportunities to engage in the T-TESS revision process. These included:

• A robust Stakeholder Advisory Committee composed of classroom teachers, school and district leaders, educator preparation programs and professional organizations reviewed proposed updates and provided feedback to ensure the revisions reflect current classroom practice.
• Field testing of the draft rubric in approximately 100 classrooms, allowing teachers and appraisers to interact with the updated instrument in authentic settings.

TEA will release engagement summaries and key findings in late March. 

T-TESS Pilot Opportunity

(added Feb. 17, 2026)

For the next phase in this work, TEA is seeking districts statewide to participate in the 2026–27 pilot of the updated T TESS evaluation system.

Purpose: To examine how the updated TTESS evaluation system functions in district contexts prior to statewide implementation. This effort will ensure alignment with district and state priorities, strengthen supports for teacher growth and ensure that the system provides fair and trusted recognition of effective teaching. This will also be an opportunity to provide further feedback that refines the T-TESS evaluation system and ensures that districts have the right suite of resources and supports for strong implementation.

Commitment: Districts will implement the updated appraisal system districtwide during the 2026–27 school year. Participating districts will be asked to: 

• designate a lead to coordinate data collection and engagement activities
• implement the full evaluation cycle
• participate in associated training and calibration
• provide feedback to support statewide implementation

Participation Benefits: 

• Dedicated implementation support from TEA, regional education service center (ESC) partners, and technical assistance providers.
• Access to updated materials and resources.
• Financial support for implementation planning and any necessary training.

Next Step for District Leaders: 

• Register and join our Office Hours to learn more about the pilot and ask any additional questions.
  • Wednesday, February 18 at 11:00 a.m. Zoom Link 
  • Monday, March 2 at 1:00 p.m. Zoom Link

• Complete the Pilot Interest Survey if your district is interested in supporting this important work and would like an opportunity to apply for participation in the T-TESS Pilot. 

  Interest Survey Deadline: March 5, 2026

As we conduct planning and engagement related to the T-TESS refresh, TEA will provide regular updates on the T-TESS website.

T-TESS Refresh Content

(added Sept. 18, 2025)

Originally launched in 2015, the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) is currently used by 89% of Texas school systems. As we mark its tenth year, TEA is refreshing the system to better meet the evolving needs of educators and students across the state.

Recent updates to educator standards—driven by House Bill 1605—clarify expectations and highlight best practices, including high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), the Science of Learning, research-based strategies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and digital literacy. These standards will inform refinements to T-TESS.

The refresh builds on the strengths of the current system, aligning appraisal components with updated standards, national research, survey data, and statewide stakeholder feedback. The goal is to clearly define excellent teaching, support educator growth, and promote strong 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
• T-TESS at 10 Summary.pdf