Evidence, Expertise, and Accountability: Understanding the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This year’s conference theme asks us to “collaboratively take evidence-based action to correct educational and social injustices”. To do this, we must consider what counts as evidence, and to what ends it is used. The Texas education system has a long history of establishing stakeholder partnerships in the name of evidence and effectiveness. Using a variety of methodological approaches, this panel investigates the many facets of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) that was developed between the Texas Education Agency and a number of external organizations, including analytical software companies, non-profit education consultancy groups, and digital platform companies. The panellists will explore the features and impact of T-TESS, but also the implications for policy and practice more broadly.

Sub Unit

• Division H - Research, Evaluation and Assessment in Schools / Division H - Section 4: Accountability in Schools

Chair

• Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, Arizona State University

Papers

• Investigating the Texas Value-Added Assessment System Component of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System - Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, Arizona State University; Clarin Collins, Arizona State University

• Evidence and Experts in Texas Schools: The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System - Jessica Holloway, Deakin University; Steven Lewis, Deakin University

• Accountability, Growth, or Both? Practitioner Lived Experiences of a New Teacher Evaluation System in Texas - Noelle A. Paufler, Clemson University; Kelley Marie King, University of North Texas; Ping Zhu, University of North Texas

Discussant

• Rachael E. Gabriel, University of Connecticut