T-TESS Refresh Updates
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently communicated updates to the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) Refresh, including information on the updated pilot rubric, field testing findings, and early implementation considerations.
T-TESS Overview
T-TESS is the teacher evaluation system used by most Texas school districts. T-TESS sets a standard for excellent teaching and is provided to support districts in developing, supporting, and recognizing effective instruction. An updated rubric, T-TESS 2, has been developed over a multi-year process due to the updated curriculum and instructional standards, and to address concerns of the current rubric.
Timelines
Field testing has already occurred across multiple school districts during the 2025-2026 school year. Timelines for the T-Tess 2 Pilot and the statewide rollout have been posted by TEA:
- 2026-2027: T-TESS 2 Pilot and refinement of the updated rubric with recertification trainings beginning in the spring and summer of 2027
- 2027-2028: Recommended implementation year for districts adopting T-TESS 2
- 2028-2029: Implementation year for districts unable to implement in 2027-2028
More information can be found in the To The Administrator Addressed (TAA) Correspondence and on the T-TESS website.
Cheryl Hoover
Cheryl Hoover joined HR Services in 2018. She assists with staffing and HR reviews, training, and other HR projects. During Hoover’s public school career, she served as an executive director of curriculum and principal leadership, executive director of human resources, principal, assistant principal, teacher, and coach.
Hoover earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and obtained her master’s degree from Texas State University. She is a certified PHR.
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