1. (a) Teacher designations shall be determined by:

   1. (1) a teacher meeting a minimum average appraisal score based on:

      1. (A) Domains II and III of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), as specified in §150.1002 of this chapter (relating to Assessment of Teacher Performance), measured on a scale of 1-5; or
      2. (B) a locally developed rubric with a score equivalent to the score specified in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, as determined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA); and
   2. (2) a minimum percentage of the teacher's students meeting or exceeding expected growth targets.

2. (b) Teacher designations shall be assigned in accordance with subsection (a) of this section using the following categories.

   1. (1) Acknowledged. An acknowledged designation shall be determined by:

      1. (A) a teacher generally meeting a minimum average score of 3.5 across Domains II and III of the T-TESS or equivalent score on a locally developed rubric as determined by TEA; and
      2. (B) generally, a minimum of 50% of the teacher's students meeting or exceeding expected growth targets.

   2. (2) Recognized. A recognized designation shall be determined by:

      1. (A) a teacher generally meeting a minimum average score of 3.7 across Domains II and III of the T-TESS or equivalent score on a locally developed rubric as determined by TEA; and
      2. (B) generally a minimum of 55% of the teacher's students meeting or exceeding expected growth targets.

   3. (3) Exemplary. An exemplary designation shall be determined by:

      1. (A) a teacher generally meeting a minimum average score of 3.9 across Domains II and III of the T-TESS or equivalent score on a locally developed rubric as determined by TEA; and
      2. (B) generally a minimum of 60% of the teacher's students meeting or exceeding expected growth targets.

   4. (4) Master. A master designation shall be determined by:

      1. (A) a teacher generally meeting a minimum average score of 4.5 across Domains II and III of the T-TESS or equivalent score on a locally developed rubric as determined by TEA; and
      2. (B) generally a minimum of 70% of the teacher's students meeting or exceeding expected growth targets.

Source Note:The provisions of this §150.1043 adopted to be effective April 19, 2026, 51 TexReg 2390.