T-TESS Summative Evaluations

Once a year, Texas mandates that teachers receive a performance appraisal, and for most teachers, this is known as the T-TESS—short for Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). By now, you have likely received at least one required 45-minute formal T-TESS observation or a walkthrough by your appraiser with written feedback. It’s important for you to familiarize yourself with the T-TESS cycle and be aware of any changes or modifications to the T-TESS rubric prior to getting evaluated. But do you have a right to file a grievance if you don’t agree with the results? Where does a teacher’s summative appraisal go once complete, and how can it be used?

In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Attorney Celina Leal answers all these questions and shares what educators need to know about the last step in the T-TESS cycle—the summative appraisal.

Learn more about T-TESS at teachfortexas.org.

The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.