The
TxBESS
Framework
Dr. Jan Seiter
Ms. 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:
CLUSTER 2:
Planning for Learnercentered Instruction
A Classroom
Environment That
Promotes Equity,
Excellence, and
Learning
CLUSTER 4:
CLUSTER 3:
Professionalism
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?
Revisit Warm-up Activity
• 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.
In Closing
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.
“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. Seiter
Director
HT ATCP
512-505-6462
Cell: 512-797-1828