This is the conclusion of the series of posts addressing T-TESS Alignment. See the 9/29/2015 post, “T-TESS Alignment to The Foundation Trinity,” and the 9/30/2015 post, “T-TESS Alignment to The Fundamental 5.” 

Today I’m addressing the campus administrator concern of finding a classroom observation protocol that is aligned to the T-TESS.  The search is a short one because T-TESS is already aligned to the PowerWalks Classroom Observation System.

As the reader will observe in the T-TESS / PowerWalks Alignment Summary, as teachers increase the frequency of the observable best practice in the PowerWalks Observation Modules, they are making measurable progress towards meeting or exceeding T-TESS instructional standards. In addition, the PowerWalks Systems has a customizable module to address the improved implementation of local instructional initiatives.

§149.1001. Teacher Standards. Purpose. The standards identified in this section are performance standards to be used to inform the training, appraisal, and professional development of teachers.

Standard 1: Instructional Planning and Delivery Teachers demonstrate their understanding of instructional planning and delivery by providing standards-based, data-driven, differentiated instruction that engages students, makes appropriate use of technology, and makes learning relevant for today’s learners.

T-TESS Alignment to PowerWalks
Module 1: Instructor Location X
Module 2: Pupil Engagement X
Module 3: Lesson Framing X
Module 4: High-yield Instructional Practices X
Module 5: Instructional Rigor X
Module 6: Instructional Relevance X
Module 7: Classroom Climate X
Module 8: Local Observation Elements

Standard 2: Knowledge of Students and Student Learning  Teachers work to ensure high levels of learning, social-emotional development, and achievement outcomes for all students, taking into consideration each student’s educational and developmental backgrounds and focusing on each student’s needs.

T-TESS Alignment to PowerWalks
Module 1: Instructor Location X
Module 2: Pupil Engagement X
Module 3: Lesson Framing X
Module 4: High-yield Instructional Practices X
Module 5: Instructional Rigor X
Module 6: Instructional Relevance X
Module 7: Classroom Climate X
Module 8: Local Observation Elements

Standard 3: Content Knowledge and Expertise Teachers exhibit a comprehensive understanding of their content, discipline, and related pedagogy as demonstrated through the quality of the design and execution of lessons and their ability to match objectives and activities to relevant state standards.

T-TESS Alignment to PowerWalks
Module 1: Instructor Location X
Module 2: Pupil Engagement X
Module 3: Lesson Framing X
Module 4: High-yield Instructional Practices X
Module 5: Instructional Rigor X
Module 6: Instructional Relevance X
Module 7: Classroom Climate X
Module 8: Local Observation Elements

Standard 4: Learning Environment Teachers interact with students in respectful ways at all times, maintaining a physically and emotionally safe, supportive learning environment that is characterized by efficient and effective routines, clear expectations for student behavior, and organization that maximizes student learning.

T-TESS Alignment to PowerWalks
Module 1: Instructor Location X
Module 2: Pupil Engagement X
Module 3: Lesson Framing X
Module 4: High-yield Instructional Practices X
Module 5: Instructional Rigor X
Module 6: Instructional Relevance X
Module 7: Classroom Climate X
Module 8: Local Observation Elements

Standard 5: Data-Driven Practice Teachers use formal and informal methods to assess student growth aligned to instructional goals and course objectives and regularly review and analyze multiple sources of data to measure student progress and adjust instructional strategies and content delivery as needed.

T-TESS Alignment to PowerWalks
Module 1: Instructor Location X
Module 2: Pupil Engagement
Module 3: Lesson Framing X
Module 4: High-yield Instructional Practices X
Module 5: Instructional Rigor X
Module 6: Instructional Relevance X
Module 7: Classroom Climate X
Module 8: Local Observation Elements

Standard 6: Professional Practices and Responsibilities Teachers consistently hold themselves to a high standard for individual development, pursue leadership opportunities, collaborate with other educational professionals, communicate regularly with stakeholders, maintain professional relationships, comply with all campus and school district policies, and conduct themselves ethically and with integrity.

T-TESS Alignment to PowerWalks
Module 1: Instructor Location X
Module 2: Pupil Engagement X
Module 3: Lesson Framing X
Module 4: High-yield Instructional Practices X
Module 5: Instructional Rigor X
Module 6: Instructional Relevance X
Module 7: Classroom Climate X
Module 8: Local Observation Elements

For those who want the entire document, contact Jo, at the LYS office.

Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…

  • Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
  • Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
  • Upcoming Presentations: Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association Fall AP Conference, The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Multiple Presentations); American Association of School Administrators Conference; National Association of Secondary School Principals Conference (Multiple Presentations) 
  • Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook