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August 16, 1999
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT ADDRESSED:
The implementation of the Professional Development and
Appraisal System (PDAS) has resulted in many positive
comments that have contributed to its overall success.
Agency staff has determined that further training for
appraisers and additional orientation for teachers are
not required for the 1999-2000 school year. Please be
aware, however, that there are two issues that need to
be addressed with appraisers and teachers:
- Clarifications to the Commissioner's Rules;
- Instructions for ordering triplicate (NCR) copies of the Teacher-Self Report and the Observation Summary Sheet.
Two clarifications are addressed in Commissioner's Rules § 150.1003. Appraisals, Data Sources, and Conferences. Both statements of clarification address the appraisal period timeline and will impact a district's local appraisal calendar. Sub-section (b)(3)(C) states that the completion of Section I of the Teacher Self-Report form that shall be presented to the principal within the first three weeks of instruction in the school years when the PDAS orientation is not required pursuant to § 150.1007 of this title. Previously, rule did not address teachers who had completed all of the required five hours of orientation.
Sub-section (d)(3) states: exclude observations the first three weeks of instruction in the school years when PDAS orientation is not required pursuant to § 150.1007 of this title. Prior to this year, the rule stated that no observations could be conducted within the first two weeks of the school year. Local districts are required to adjust the local appraisal calendar to reflect these rule clarifications.
For those districts using manual paper documents, NCR triplicate copies of the Teacher Self-Report form and the Observation Summary Report are now available for purchase through the Division of Publications at the Texas Education Agency. The order form and price list may be downloaded from the TEA website, www.tea.state.tx.us, or obtained from the Division of Publications at 512-463-9744.
A copy of § 150.1003, Appraisals, Data Sources and Conferences, and an order form for the Teacher Self-Report/Observation Summary Report are included as attachments with this letter. In the event that further information is necessary, please contact the Division of Educator Development Projects at 512-475-1233.
Best wishes for a safe and productive school year.
Sincerely yours,
Mike Moses
Commissioner of Education
For further information on this topic, contact Educator Development Projects at 512-475-1233.