Alternative Growth Measure

Description	The TEAM evaluation system generates a level of overall effectiveness (LOE) score for all teachers by combining teacher observation, student academic achievement, and student academic growth. For teachers in state-tested courses, student academic growth is reflected through the Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS). Teachers in non-tested courses may access a student growth portfolio or an alternative growth measure (AGM) to represent their individual impact on academic growth. In both scenarios, the growth score comprises 35% of the teacher’s LOE.In February 2018, the state legislature amended T.C.A. § 49-1-302 to ensure that every district and charter organization utilizes at least one approved growth measure for non-tested teachers. Additionally, pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-6-105, state board policy 5.201, and state board rule 0520-02-01, districts and charters that receive pre-kindergarten program approval under T.C.A. §§ 49-6-103 – 49-6-110 (VPK funding) must utilize the pre-K/kindergarten growth portfolio model or an approved AGM for the student growth portion of teacher evaluation.Pursuant to the 2021 Tennessee Literacy Success Act, codified at T.C.A. § 49-1-901 et. seq., allows for districts and public charter schools to use a Universal Reading Screener (URS) as an approved alternative growth measure (AGM) for Pre-K -2 teachers.Measures approved as universal reading screeners by the state board in policy 3.302 as required by the Tennessee Literacy Success Act include the following: Tennessee Universal Reading Screener (aimswebPlus)* DIBELs, 8th Edition easyCBM FastBridge Suite* iReady + iReady Early Reading Tasks Measures of Academic Progress Suite Renaissance STAR* All measures may be used as an alternative growth measure (AGM) for all students in grades K-2. Starred measures may be used as an alternative growth measure (AGM) in Pre-K.
URS Growth Score Guidance	The production of an individual teacher’s level of effectiveness (LOE) is dependent on many points of data; however, for districts/charters who select alternative growth measure (AGM) based on universal reading screener (URS) scores for an individual growth score, the following common errors may result in no score. Common errors: Failure to administer the required assessments necessary to generate student growth scores in fall and spring within department-mandated windows Less than six (6) students who generated fall to spring growth scores rostered to the teacher Non-existent, incorrect, or inaccurate teacher name and/or license number (TLN) in AGM database, local SIS, and/or SEA EIS Inconsistencies in grade level assigned between AGM rostering and EIS Missing, inaccurate, or unconfirmed teachers or teacher-student connections within rostering process
Resources	AGM Teacher Rostering Guidance (updated November 2025) Universal Reading Screener Alternative Growth Score Guidance (updated December 2024) Universal Reading Screener Guidance for Pre-K Alternative Growth Score (Updated December 2024) Universal Screening Windows URS Administration Guidelines
Contact	With questions or for more information on individual growth measure scores, please contact TEAM.Questions@tn.gov. With questions or for more information on implementation of a Tennessee Universal Reading Screeners, please contact TN.universalscreener@tn.gov.