The TxBESS

FrameworkDr. Jan SeiterMs. Donna Dagar

“A framework for professional practice is not unique to education. Indeed, other professions…have well-established definitions of expertise and procedures to certify novice and advanced practitioners. Such procedures are the public’s guarantee that the members of a profession hold themselves and their colleagues to the highest standards.”

Charlotte Danielson

Goals

• To learn the clusters and standards of the TxBESS Framework

• To understand the concept of the developmental continuum

Warm-up Activity

• Consider the work of teaching and note as many professional activities as possible in which a teacher engages during a two-day period.

• Be specific (e.g., grading 34 papers, calling a parent, designing a lesson).

• Write each item/activity on a separate sticky note, and keep all of the sticky notes for a later activity.

What Is the TxBESS Framework?

• Reflects effective teaching as represented in the practice of beginning teachers

• Contains the TxBESS Performance Standards and the developmental continuum

The Four Clusters

CLUSTER 1: Planning for Learner-centered Instruction

CLUSTER 2: A Classroom Environment That Promotes Equity, Excellence, and Learning

CLUSTER 4: Professionalism

CLUSTER 3: Instruction and Communication

Cluster 1: Planning for Learner-centered Instruction

1a: Knowledge of content and pedagogy

1b: Knowledge of students

1c: Selects key knowledge and skills

1d: Uses materials, resources, and technology

1e: Promotes student learning

1f: Plans to assess student learning

Cluster 2: An Environment of Equity, Excellence, and Learning

2a: Creates an environment of rapport and respect

2b: Establishes a culture of learning

2c: Manages classroom procedures

2d: Manages student behavior

2e: Organizes physical space

Cluster 3: Instruction and Communication

3a: Communicates clearly and accurately

3b: Uses questioning and discussion techniques

3c: Engages students in learning

3d: Assesses student learning

3e: Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness

Cluster 4: Professionalism

4a: Reflects on teaching

4b: Maintains accurate records

4c: Communicates with families/caregivers

4d: Contributes to the school

4e: Grows and develops professionally

4f: Serves as an advocate for students

TxBESS Framework Links

• Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Standards (2002)

• Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) Framework (2004)

Identifying the Clusters

• Locate the Identifying the Clusters worksheet.

• In table groups, identify the cluster to which each statement relates.

Performance Standards & Developmental Continuum

What teacher and/or student behaviors would you expect to see at the developing, beginning competent, advanced competent, and proficient levels?

• Locate your sticky notes from earlier in this session.

• Read each sticky note and determine the cluster and standard to which it relates.

• Place the sticky notes on the appropriate locations on page 6 in the TxBESS Framework.

Revisit Warm-up Activity

The framework is important because:

1. It provides a common language and structure for discussing teaching;

2. It is aligned with the PPR standards and the PDAS; and

3. It provides a pathway for teacher growth.

In Closing

“Although teachers sometimes feel pulled in many different directions…a unifying thread runs through the entire framework to provide an organizing structure. That thread consists of engaging students in learning important content.”

Charlotte Danielson

Contact Information

Dr. Jan P. SeiterDirectorHT ATCP512-505-6462

Cell: 512-797-1828