Spotlight on Texas: Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and the AAPPL
What is Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)?
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) is a program established in 2019 by Texas state law whose aim is to elevate the teaching profession. It provides districts with systems and funding to identify, retain, and incentivize top-tier teachers, particularly in challenging school environments and critical subject areas. “TIA is built to provide lasting funds for outstanding Texas teachers to remain in the classroom and improve student outcomes” (https://tiatexas.org/).Teachers may be awarded one of three designations: Recognized, Exemplary, or Master. TIA designations for teachers are based on teacher observations and student growth.
Aside from the TIA monetary incentive to recognize exemplary and master teachers, TIA gives educators the opportunity to bring in the instructional focus to academic student growth among their professional learning communities. Rodrigo Bazán, the Compliance and Assessment Director at Roma Independent School District, said, “TIA has brought about extremely important conversations to the table regarding instructional planning and implementation to all levels of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This has resulted in all our teachers being better intentioned in meeting the individual instructional needs of all students.”
Components of the TIA System
Teacher Observations: Districts establish designation criteria based on teacher performance data, including data gathered through classroom observations of a minimum of 45 minutes. Utilizing approved appraisal rubrics ensures valid and reliable data for fair evaluations and calibration protocols ensure scoring accuracy and consistency across subjects and schools. Additionally, districts must report appraisal data to validate teacher performance and maintain accountability. The approved data validation tools can be found at https://tiatexas.org/for-districts/components-of-a-system/teacher-observation/.Student Growth: TIA has shifted from previous incentive programs to focus now on student growth rather than achievement data. This approach allows districts to identify effective teachers via various measures including Student Learning Objectives, Portfolios, Pre-Tests and Post-Tests, and Value-Added Models. Performance standards for each designation level are aligned with teacher effectiveness based on individual student growth targets, promoting equitable access to designation regardless of student demographics. Districts may choose any of the four TIA recognized student growth measures or a combination thereof for each eligible teaching assignment. (https://tiatexas.org/for-districts/components-of-a-system/student-growth/)
Why AAPPL for TIA?
Meet TIA Criteria: TIA requires rigorous evidence of student growth and performance, and the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) has met the requirement of the Texas Admin Code § 150.1012 for student growth measures.Effectively Measure Student Growth: The AAPPL is a proficiency and performance assessment based on ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and is the official ACTFL test for learners in grades 3-12. It is also the only K-12 test available that can issue ACTFL ratings. The AAPPL assesses all four language skills (speaking, reading, writing, listening) in all three communicative modes (interpersonal, presentational, interpretive). The AAPPL allows instructors and administrators to identify benchmarks and appropriate growth based on levels attained at the beginning and end of specific learning sequences. Teachers can use the score reports and the specific learning strategies suggested for each mode and skill to develop individual goals for students.
Better Tailor Instruction: AAPPL's robust data reports and score reports empower educators to better meet the individual needs of their students, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses with the goal for each student to make progress and grow in language proficiency. Additionally, the integration of the AAPPL into a district framework can facilitate discussions on curriculum alignment and instructional planning.
Implementation and Integration
Integrating the AAPPL into the TIA framework is a strategic investment in educational excellence. Here's how the two complement each other:TIA Application Cycle: Educators can leverage AAPPL data to support their TIA application process. By showcasing student growth, teachers can strengthen their case for TIA designation and recognition.
Ongoing Professional Development: AAPPL results serve as valuable insights for ongoing professional development initiatives. Educators can use AAPPL data to inform instructional planning, curriculum development, and targeted interventions to support student success.
Continuous Improvement: The AAPPL facilitates a culture of continuous improvement by providing actionable data to inform teaching practices. Educators can use AAPPL results to refine instructional strategies, track student progress, and drive positive outcomes in language proficiency.
Learn More
Read this case study about how Roma Independent School District implemented the AAPPL to meet the TIA designation requirements.Contact Us
Contact Whitney Krahn PhD at Language Testing International for more information on how to bring the AAPPL to your school and district:Email: WKrahn@languagetesting.com
To schedule a call: https://calendly.com/whitneykrahn
Disclaimer: The information in this document is for informational purposes and does not necessarily constitute ACTFL’s position or endorsement of the TIA.