This teacher orientation manual has been developed as a comprehensive resource for teachers in Texas to facilitate a greater knowledge and understanding of the Texas Teacher Appraisal System (TTAS), designed as a developmental tool for the improvement of instruction, and the encouragement of professional growth. Through this system, teachers evaluate themselves and are also evaluated by others, in five domains: (1) instructional strategies; (2) classroom management and organization; (3) presentation of subject matter; (4) learning environment; and (5) growth and responsibilities. Evaluation results will be used in decisions about the individual teacher's career ladder placement or maintenance decisions. The manual contains: (1) a recommended agenda for teacher orientation into the TTAS; (2) historical development of the TTAS; (3) assumptions underlying the TTAS; (4) an overview of the TTAS; (5) the state board of education policy about appraisal of certified personnel; (6) teacher self-appraisal form; (7) professional growth plan; (8) a conferencing guide for teachers; (9) formal observation post-conference chart; (10) an explanation of the term "exceptional quality"; (11) scoring procedures; (12) observation record/evaluation record form; (13) sample scoring form; (14) appaisal record form; (15) sample appraisal record; (16) guidelines for cumulative data; and (17) the TTAS instrument. A six-page bibliography and a glossary conclude the manual. (CB)