teacher evaluation uses the Tennessee Value-Added
Assessment System (TVAAS) to measure student
learning growth from one year to the next.27
• Teacher portfolio models have been developed
for teachers of fine arts, physical education, world
languages, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first
grade. Portfolios are collections of information about
teaching practice including lesson plans, student
assignments, videotapes, student growth data, and
formal or informal evaluations. Portfolios encourage
self-reflection and growth, but are also be used as
a component for evaluating teachers in non-tested
subjects.28
TVAAS allows for the creation of individual growth scores
for teachers who teach a state-tested subject, such as
math or English language arts. However, other teachers
who teach an untested subject, such as art or K-2, do not
have individual growth scores. In most cases, teachers of
untested subjects have a school-wide growth measure
included in their evaluation. In addition, evaluations include
classroom observations, other student achievement data,
and—in some cases—student surveys.29
Teacher Evaluation Components
in Tennessee
Teachers with Individual
Growth Scores
Teachers without Individual
Growth Scores
TVAAS
35%
25%
(school-wide growth measures)
Other Student Achievement Data
15%
15%
Qualitative measures including teacher
observations, student perception
surveys, personal conferences, etc.
50%
60%
Measure
21 | P U B L I C E D U C AT I O N I N T E N N ES S E E