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