The ESC-5 TIA's Team's mission is to guide the sustainable and strategic implementation of Local Designation Systems (LDS) to improve teacher retention and student outcomes. These services are continuous and focus on systems refinement, regardless of a district's TIA status, at no cost.
Service Area | ESC-5 Focus | Strategic Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Enhanced TIA | Consultation and training on transitioning to performance-based compensation systems and meeting the criteria for the Enhanced TIA district-level designation, which provides an additional 10% allotment. | Aligns compensation systems with teacher effectiveness and system sustainability. |
T-TESS Calibration & System Fidelity | Provision of customized T-TESS Calibration Training Series (virtual or on-site) to strengthen inter-rater reliability, deepen appraiser understanding, and align observation with TIA's foundational components. | Ensures valid and reliable Teacher Observation data, a critical component of the LDS. |
Student Growth Measure (SGM) Support | Technical assistance and training on SGM components, including Student Learning Objectives (SLOs), Portfolios, and utilizing Value-Added Measure (VAM) data and reports. | Supports the strategic selection, design, and implementation of high-quality SGMs. |
Annual Program & Spending Plans | Support with annual TIA program submissions, including required annual reports and the development/revision of Spending Plans. | Ensures state compliance and strategic use of allotment funds for system sustainability. |
Stakeholder Engagement | Facilitate decision-making and planning for district leadership, school administration, board presentations, teacher focus groups, and survey analysis. | Strengthen teacher trust, voice, and shared ownership to support recruitment, retention, and long-term sustainability of TIA systems through collaboration, transparent communication, and continuous feedback. |
Applying Districts Cohort (System Development)
Target: Districts developing their initial Local Designation System (LDS) for a new application.
Key Services:
Assessing Readiness: Initial consultation to determine district readiness for TIA participation.
Application Submission Support: Monthly virtual sessions, on-site application review, and guidance on all required system components, including the Weighting Tab.
Stakeholder Engagement Planning: Pacing guides and essential strategies for the mandatory Stakeholder Committee formation and communication.
Letter of Intent Guidance: Support for this initial, critical step in the application process.
First Year Data Capture Year Cohort (System Implementation)
Target: Districts in their first data capture year (Year 1) or implementing an expansion/modification.
Key Services:
Data Capture Kick-Off: Initial planning and training for data collection processes.
Data Analysis & Tools: Support for using the TIA Excel Analysis Tool and the Designation Determination Tool to make informed designation decisions.
Stakeholder Buy-in Analysis (Hub Specialization): Analyzing results from the mandatory Teacher Buy-in Survey report and assisting the TIA Planning Committee in developing an Action Plan based on the feedback.
On-Site Calibration Walkthroughs: Targeted support to ensure appraiser fidelity during the crucial data collection year.
Fully Approved Districts (Post-Approval & Renewal)
Target: Districts with an approved LDS that are issuing designations and receiving allotments.
Key Services:
Expansion & Modification Support: Guidance and review for applications to add new campuses, eligible teaching categories, or change SGMs (e.g., changing the pre-/post-test assessment).
System Renewal Support: Intensive guidance for the Renewal application process (due every five years/four years after initial data capture) to ensure the system meets current statutory requirements and incorporates continuous improvement modifications.
Annual Evaluation Surveys: Analysis of results from the TIA Annual Evaluation Surveys.
Data Submission & Validation: One-on-one data support, analysis of Data Validation Reports, and overview of SAR and Technical Errors prior to submission.
Program information from Region 5, checked September 7, 2026. View the official source page.