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| Teachers Speak Out: Comment on TESS Teacher Evaluations |
| posted by: Alix | May 11, 2012, 01:42 PM |
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As you know, one of the critical issues facing Arkansas teachers is the implementation of a common teacher evaluation system. Currently called the "Teacher Excellence and Support System" or TESS, these new evaluations will affect all Arkansas teachers! The Arkansas State Teachers Association has promised to make you aware of opportunities that allow you to be a "voice" in our state's education policy. As you have probably heard by now, TESS is scheduled to be piloted by 2013-2014 with mandatory implementation by 2014-2015. The deadline for public comment, May 18, is fast approaching. From the trainings ASTA has attended, it has been highly recommended to participate in the pilot as it will be the only authentic occasion to familiarize yourself with the process. Below are links to an ADE summary of TESS and the public comment page: Click here to read the TESS Summary. Click here to take the TESS Survey. Please know your ASTA staff is working diligently to ensure they are fully equipped to assist members as the state transitions to this comprehensive evaluation system for teachers. As you learn more, please let us know how we can support you! What do you think about statewide teacher evaluations? Comment below.
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Comments (6)
Agree w/Mr. Covey (CTE Instructor) ... almost
written by Teacher in Texas, February 25, 2017
I am in the same boat as the W. Fork HS teacher. I am fighting to get in 1 more year of teaching so I can bail out of teaching & collect a modest retirement & do something else. One of the main reason is the T-TESS. I understand the need for improvement & continual growth, but my formal observation was like a failing grade to an honor student. Being at a new school & on a probationary contract has put me on the fast trac to the bottom of the principal's short list & now I have to "work" my way up & thru her familiars and favorites. I'm through with this RACKET & will likely take my hard work & tireless dedication to another profession. Not sure what Mr. Covey means by right-wing though. If it's a stab at conservatives, then I must tell you sir that I'm a conservative. I might even be right-wing. But I too think the TESS evaluation system sucks!
Classroom teacher
written by Therese of Sherwood, December 08, 2016
This TESS evaluation is not realistic. Take a good look at the students today. They are disrespectful and undisciplined. Then administrators will grade you lower because you are too harsh to the kids by putting them on time out! There are lots of excellent teachers out there that really care about their students. Administrators are only in the classroom for an hour to observe you. I think this TESS is more of a punishment and it angers a lot of teachers.
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written by Sharon Lamb, May 02, 2016
Please tell me that the first comment is some disgruntled parent trying to make teachers look bad. As I tell my third graders, look over your work before turning it in .
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written by teacher, April 01, 2015
The TESS evaluation system is a waste of teachers time. We spend more time getting artifacts or paperwork to prove we are doing what were doing in class. We need to get ride of it. Iv been teaching for 18 years. I love to teach, but now I am getting out of the profession. I did not get in to teaching to do a bunch of needles paperwork. I got into teaching for the students.
Class action Lawsuit
written by teacher, February 23, 2015
I am looking for an attorney regarding unfair dismissal because of TESS.
Tess evaluations skewed by right wing majority in rural schools. written by West Fork High School - Randolph H. Covey - CTE instructor, January 20, 2014
At the end of this school year I am opting for retirement ag 60 years of age. I have served this school for 24 1/2 years as an Industrial Arts instructor and now CTE. My classes this year are 4 hours of Computer AutoCAD/Board drafting and 3 hours of Furniture Manufacturing. To make a long story short I have read about the older teachers will not fit into TESS and will leave and I suppose my reading was right. I do however feel the TESS training has left me with no real understanding of what is expected of me. All my documents submitted to my Principal and Teaching advisor have been returned and had to be re-done several times. My formal evaluation was the worst of my career due to my lack of understanding. I have felt that after a career of outstanding performance I have ended up a failure. Mostly I see the program of TESS tearing apart the group feeling of teachers to each teacher is now a seperate business competing for the highest evaluation.
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