TAP's Elements TAP Outcomes National Louisiana South Carolina Texas Legislation Understanding Value-Added Teacher Quality Resources The Working Group on Teacher Quality
TAP Outcomes
Highlights of TAP Results - Texas
TAP began in Texas with three pilot schools in the Richardson Independent School District (Richardson ISD) in 2005-2006. With the support of both state and federal funding, TAP now operates in 45 schools across 16 school districts. These schools serve primarily low-socioeconomic communities. On average, 67% of students in the districts are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch; more than 60% are Hispanic, with a high concentration having limited English proficiency.
Student Achievement
The most compelling impact of TAP in Texas is in the student achievement results at these schools. The Texas results from the 2009-2010 school-level value-added calculations showed that 22 of the 31 campuses in Texas received the highest possible value-added score of "5," meaning students performed significantly higher than their peers and made much more than one year's growth in terms of individual achievement. Another five campuses received a value-added score of "4," indicating that students gained more than one full year of growth. The remaining four schools received a value-added score of "3," meaning that students gained one full year of growth. Consequently, 100% of Texas TAP schools gained one full year of growth or more compared to their peers across the state.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Principals in Texas TAP schools report that the system has had a positive impact on teacher recruitment by attracting more and better qualified applicants to their schools. TAP is also credited with decreasing teacher turnover by retaining more effective teachers and drawing more qualified candidates to fill vacancies at their schools. In 2009-2010, the retention rate in Texas TAP schools was at an all-time high of 91%.
These changes in recruitment and retention are illustrated in Richardson Independent School District schools:
- Audelia Creek Elementary increased its teacher retention rate from 33% to 92% after the second year of TAP implementation;
- Thurgood Marshall Elementary increased its retention rate from 36% to 87%; and
- Forest Meadow Junior High increased its retention rate from 56% to 80%.
After the first year of implementation, Richardson ISD also saw a shift in the quality of teachers applying to its hard-to-staff TAP schools. Teachers from non-TAP affluent campuses transferred to TAP schools because they wanted to be a part of TAP.
TAP Testimonials
I think the overall "team" spirit invoked by the entire staff because of the program has been the best part.
–Career Teacher, Blake Manor Elementary School, Manor ISD
The TAP evaluation process involves fair, balanced and objective observation and feedback. The post-conferences have been both encouraging and challenging and have pushed me to implement more effective methods and strategies in my teaching.
–Career Teacher, Rolling Hills Elementary School, Lancaster ISD
TAP has caused many of the teachers to be more conscientious about their teaching. They are more aware because of the TAP Instructional Rubric and want to improve their practices. Cluster group meetings have also been beneficial because they provide a time for teachers to have a focused look at their teaching and how it impacts student achievement.
–Master Teacher, Kemp Elementary School, Bryan ISD
TAP has brought the faculty together!!! It has united us. The techniques we learn in cluster group meetings are used at EACH grade level—from kinder to grade 5. It has made me feel like a stronger teacher. Even with 34 years, I can learn new techniques!
—Career Teacher, Crockett Elementary School, Bryan ISD
TAP in the News - Texas
Select Stories
TAP program improves teacher, student advancement
The Norseman (Bryan High School)
(Bryan, TX)
April 17, 2012
District launches TAP as state education funds, DATE funds get cut [inset]
HR Exchange (Texas Association of School Boards [TASB])
(Austin, TX)
April 05, 2012
Texas TAP keeps pace despite drought in state grant funds
HR Exchange (Texas Association of School Boards [TASB])
(Austin, TX)
April 05, 2012
Lancaster ISD receives TAP national honor
Focus Daily News
(DeSoto, TX)
March 13, 2012
Bryan school awarded $50K for gains
The Eagle
(Bryan, College Station, TX)
March 14, 2011
Texas Teacher Advancement Program taps into teacher potential
Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) HR Exchange
(Austin, TX)
October 01, 2010
Richardson ISD school's test scores soar with TAP
Dallas Morning News
April 22, 2010
Editorial: Richardson shows diverse districts can succeed
Dallas Morning News
July 27, 2008
Teachers to get incentives
The Eagle
April 15, 2008
Erik Hanushek, Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University
"The evaluation of TAP schools clearly shows that teachers in the program are significantly better than the average teacher in regular public schools. More TAP teachers are above average in terms of student achievement gains. Fewer are far below. This finding is very notable given the importance of teachers to student achievement."