A Principal Asks... Why Isn't There a T-TESS Component in PowerWalks

A Principal recently asked me, “Why don’t you have a T-TESS component in PowerWalks?”

That’s a reasonable question. The answer is that we made a philosophical and purposeful decision to not do so.

PowerWalks is a FORMATIVE observation system, designed to assist teachers in improving the quality of delivered instruction, over time, through cueing and coaching.

T-TESS is a SUMMATIVE evaluation process.  

Yes, PowerWalks is correlated to T-TESS (otherwise it wouldn’t be very useful).  Meaning that as teachers get better at implementing the best practices cued and monitored by PowerWalks, the criteria evaluated by T-TESS will be positively impacted.

But correlation is the limit. This is because the co-mingling of FORMATIVE and SUMMATIVE observation data is bad leadership practice.  And as a company, LYS will always occupy the high ground of best leadership practice.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook