Teacher Model

Understanding TVAAS

Due to the increased emphasis placed on value-added measures by TEAM, educators now have an even greater need to understand the statistical models and process for generating value-added reporting. We have created a video series, led by Nancy Zambito, that addresses some key understandings. First, what is value-added and how is it different from achievement measures? Why do we use it? And what do educators need to know about the statistical models used to generate value-added measures in Tennessee? The second part of this session covers how the composites used in educator evaluation are calculated. A FAQ section will be added in the coming weeks to provide more specific information about some aspects of the model and process. We hope that by learning more about how TVAAS is calculated, teachers will better understand the reporting and be able to leverage that knowledge in their work with their students.

  • Overview (7:57) View
  • Tennessee Model (3:26) View
  • TCAP Assessments (2:02) View
  • EOC Assessments (2:22) View
  • Evaluation Composites (7:51) View
  • Access the full collection on the ELC Visit »
  • FAQs Download »

Document Library: Forms and Resources

Hear from Your Colleagues

Several schools participated in a field test of the TEAM system last year. These videos show teachers and administrators talking about their experience with the system, including the challenges, the successes and the potential benefit that they see for their students this year. In the newest video, Making TEAM Work, administrators discuss strategies they have used to implement and manage the TEAM system process. Commissioner Huffman describes the development of the system itself as well as the key goals and expectations for implementation.

  • Making TEAM Work View
  • Teachers talk about TEAM View
  • Administrators talk about TEAM View
  • Commissioner Huffman on TEAM View

The Evaluation Process

Resources are provided for evaluators, observers and teachers to understand their roles and responsibilities at each stage in the process. The Process Guide provides a timeline for evaluators and teachers, outlining the specific steps they need to take throughout the year. The TEAM Evaluation Decision Tree maps out who needs to be evaluated and which rubric to use in the TEAM system.

Preparing and Supporting Staff

Tools to aid school and district leaders in implementing the new system are provided here to ensure that teachers and observers are able to complete the evaluation cycle, and benefit from meaningful feedback discussions and plans for development. The TEAM Observation Pacing Guide can help school leadership teams plan for the number of observations that will be required through the year. In addition, the NIET Best Practices Portal provides a broad range of information and tools that will support training and individualized professional development. Information about access for educators is below.

  • TEAM Observation Pacing Guide Download »
  • TEAM Observation Pacing Guide (Revised for flexibility through State Board Policy Change) Download »
  • NIET Best Practices Portal Visit »
  • NIET Best Practices Portal Access Guide Download »
  • NIET Best Practices Portal: Individualized Professional Development Download »

Observations and Conferences (50%)

TEAM ensures frequent observations and constructive feedback for educators through multiple observations and pre and post conferences. Using the indicators of the TEAM Rubric, educators can work together to identify what is working well in the classroom (Area of Reinforcement), where there is room for improvement (Area of Refinement) and options for professional development to support the Area of Refinement. Alternate rubrics and forms (including savable versions) can be found in the Document Library, linked at the bottom of this section.

Achievement Measure (15%)

The 50% quantitative portion of TEAM combines student growth (35%) and student achievement (15%). The State Board of Education has approved a matrix of options for teachers and principals for the 15% achievement measure component. Teachers should meet with their evaluator to choose a 15% measure and complete the Achievement Measure Worksheet. Resources for this choice can be found below.

  • Approved Achievement Measures Matrix Visit »
  • Approved Achievement Measures: Additional Information Visit »
  • Achievement Measure Worksheet Visit »
  • Achievement Measure Worksheet (Word Version) Visit »
  • Example Achievement Measure Worksheet Visit »
  • Sample Calculations Visit »

Growth Data (35%)

The 50% quantitative portion of TEAM combines student growth (35%) and student achievement (15%). For many teachers, the growth measure used in the evaluation system is individual TVAAS, a statistical method that compares each student's actual growth to his/her projected growth. For teachers without individual TVAAS data for their grades and subjects, TDOE has provided guidance on the growth measure that will be used this year. Review the Growth for Non-Tested Subjects Summary for additional information on areas with pilot programs aimed at identifying additional assessments that could be used in future years as growth measures. The Value-Added Guide for Teachers provides more information about how value-added is calculated and what it shows.

  • Value-Added Guide for Teachers Visit »
  • Pilot Update for Non-Tested Grades and Subjects (Added 1/4/2012) Visit »
  • Growth for Non-Tested Grades and Subjects Summary (Updated 10/28/2011) Visit »
  • Non-tested Grades and Subjects Q&A Visit »
  • TVAAS Composite Information for Teachers in Tested Grades and Subjects (Added 12/5/2011) Download »
  • Measuring Student Learning Visit »

Data System

A comprehensive system is being developed to capture all of the observation data, and ultimately, this system will combine observation data with student data to calculate the summative effectiveness rating. The system will be available for observers to enter the observation data and track the progress of the evaluation cycle. The Data System Fact Sheet provides additional information about the system, and the Evaluator Access Guide provides step-by-step directions for accessing the site. During the year, the system will be improved to increase functionality and provide access for teachers.

Evaluator Certification

All observers and evaluators who are conducting observations and conferences as part of TEAM must complete training and pass the certification test. Additional information on this process is available below.

  • Evaluator Certification Q&A Download »
  • Certification test on the NIET Best Practices Portal Visit »

Ratings and Outcomes

The multiple measures of the educator evaluation system result in an overall effectiveness rating that combines observations and student data. The information below outlines how the 3 components are combined. The PowerPoint presentation may be used to facilitate additional training or discussion among educators. In addition, the First to the Top Act requires that these ratings be considered in personnel decisions that may include recruitment, promotion and dismissal. All of these personnel policies are made at the district level and are not determined by the State. However, tenure policies are part of the law, including new eligibility requirements; information about the new tenure requirements is provided below.

Ask a Question

We hope that you have been able to find answers to many of your questions through the guidance and resources available here. However, we want to be sure that you have all of the information that you need, so if you still have questions, ask here or email team.questions@tn.gov.