TTESS - A Coaching Model
Domain 3: Learning Environment
3.1 Classroom Environment, Routines, & Procedures, 3.2. Managing Student Behavior, 3.3 Classroom Culture
Establish a Safe, Respectful, Inclusive, & Efficient Learning Environment!
The focus of this Smore is the third domain of TTESS, which is the domain that truly sets the stage for the teacher's ability to instruct and the student's ability to learn. The highly skilled teacher in Domain 3 builds relationships with students and establishes clear procedures and routines that empower kids to take ownership of classroom processes for efficient collaboration and completion of tasks. This educator teaches, facilitates, and monitors efficiently (no wasted time) and with proximity , and she creates a safe place for learning both physically and emotionally.
What will a classroom with this teacher look and sound like? The kids know and understand the expectations (The teacher has modeled and the students have rehearsed the procedures and routines until they are embedded processes.). The students are absorbed in the activities or mini lessons and will hardly look up if a principal or other observer walks in. These students support one another as they collaborate, they feel emotionally safe to take risks (no one will laugh or offer a sarcastic comment should they offer an incorrect answer to a question), and they are engaged in the process and content of learning from bell to bell (no wasted time).
Domain 3 is the domain of classroom systems and processes that establish a safe, respectful, inclusive and efficient learning environment. The highly skilled teacher in Domain 3 puts practices in place that increase student autonomy and motivation. There will be more evidence of student actions in the learning process than teacher actions.
Dr. Hickey's videos below provide a concise review of each dimension in Domain 3. For further clarification and understanding, read pages 58 - 66 in the hard copy of the blue Teacher Handbook.
A digital copy of the TTESS Teacher Handbook can be accessed HERE. Check out the Rubric training videos on this site as well. I think Dr. Hickey's videos are more engaging, and if used in conjunction with the information and clarifications in the Teacher Handbook, provide the teacher a good picture of the domain and the skills required to be proficient or higher in the TTESS rating system.