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The science web page provides clarification, guidance, and support to science stakeholders for the development and implementation of the K–12 science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and science graduation requirements.

Announcements

PAEMST Texas State Finalists for 2024

The 2023 competition recognizes kindergarten through grade 6 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists are listed below:

  • Amber Chalmers teaches grade 5 science at Houston Elementary School in the Lancaster ISD, Lancaster, TX
  • Kaya Jones teaches kindergarten through grade 5 students at Christie Elementary School in the Plano ISD, Plano, TX
  • Lindsey Leiker teaches grade 4 at Carolyn and Vernon Madden Elementary School in the Fort Bend ISD, Sugar Land, TX


New Science TEKS and other Supports

  • Science TEKS Guide Launch: TEA is excited to announce the Science TEKS Guide, coming May 2024.

  • New Science TEKS to be Implemented in 2024-2025 School Year: During the 2020 and 2021 meetings, the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for kindergarten–high school. A copy of the newly adopted TEKS can be found here.

Current and Upcoming Science TEKS

The links below provide access to the web-based version of the current 2017 science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. You can also access a PDF version of the TEKS.  The State Board of Education (SBOE) approved the new 2021 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for kindergarten–high school that will be implemented in 2024-2025.

2020-2021 New Science TEKS Resources

The Texas Education Agency has developed resources to support districts transitioning to the new science standards during the 2024-2025 implementation. The full TEKS Guide will be released during the summer of 2024.

The K-12 content vertical alignment documents show the alignment of concepts by topic area. The standards have been organized into four broad scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics. The K-12 Scientific and Engineering Practices and Recurring Themes and Concepts vertical alignment document shows the progression of practices and themes through the grade levels.

Purpose of the Science TEKS Resources:

The Texas Education Agency has developed a collection of science resources that support the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). These resources can be used as instructional support in the science classroom.  

Purpose of the TEA STEM Toolkit:

The Texas Education Agency has developed a full collection of tools to support districts in developing a local STEM program aligned to the high-quality indicators identified by the state. The STEM tools are designed to support a district in planning and implementing a PK-12 STEM program aligned to the Texas STEM Framework.

Purpose of this Collection of STEM One-Pagers:

The Texas Education Agency has developed a collection of STEM one-pagers that support STEM concepts in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). These resources can be used to communicate STEM concepts in the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to students, educators, and the community. 

Safety in the Science Classroom

The Texas education agency has developed resources to support districts with science safety. In addition to TEA resources, this section includes outside resources.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for kindergarten–grade 12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. The awards were established by Congress in 1983. The National Science Foundation, under the direction of the White House, approves the Texas candidates for the national award. If selected as an awardee, the applicant will receive $10,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for ceremonies that include recognition from the President of the United States.

The 2024 - 2025 cycle will be for teachers of grade 7 through grade 12. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by the PAEMST deadline will receive 25 CPE hours. For more information, please visit the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching website.

    Lori Garrett was selected as a 2020 science PAEMST national awardee. Mrs. Garrett teaches pre-kindergarten through grade 4 / science & enrichment at Cactus Elementary School in Dumas ISD, Cactus, TX. Additional information on the announcement for Mrs. Garrett is available on her PAEMST website profile (outside source).

    The 2020 competition recognizes grades 7 through 12 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists were recognized in September 2021 at the Texas State Board of Education meeting and are listed below:

    • Fatimah Aboueisha teaches Pre-AP Biology and Biology at Brandeis High School in the Northside ISD, San Antonio, TX
    • William Crump teaches Pre-AP and STEM Chemistry at Colleyville Heritage High School in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Colleyville, TX
    • Michelle Jedlicka teaches Physic 1 and AP Physics C at A&M Consolidated High School in the College Station ISD, College Station, TX

    The 2022 competition recognizes kindergarten through grade 6 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists in elementary science are listed below:

    • Denise Carvin teaches grade 1 at Radiant STEM Academy in Irving, TX.
    • Cheri Palmer teaches grade 5 science at iUniversity Prep in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD in Grapevine, TX.
    • Shatara White teaches grade 6 advanced placement science classes at Tomball Intermediate School in Tomball ISD in Tomball, TX.

    The 2023 competition recognizes grades 7 through 12 mathematics and science teachers whose innovative methods bring teaching to life in the classroom. The Texas state finalists are listed below:

    • Jamie Flint teaches Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Honors Chemistry at Spring Woods High School in the Spring Branch ISD, Houston, TX
    • Krystle Moos teaches AP and Honors Chemistry at Midway High School in the Midway ISD, Waco, TX
    • Voke Ogueh teaches Fundamentals of Computer Science and AP Computer Science Principles at Hastings High School in the Alief ISD, Houston, TX

    Professional Development

    • Statewide science and STEM professional development opportunities are available at regional education service centers (ESCs) and through the Texas Gateway and TEALearn.
    • Contact the science specialist or STEM Lead at your regional ESC for upcoming professional development opportunities.
    • Professional development opportunities are also available through Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee TEEAC Providers. This network of universities, state agencies, museums, and nature centers helps ensure that teacher professional development offered by formal and non-formal providers is educationally sound and consistent with the TEKS.
    Contact Information

    Curriculum Standards and Student Support
    (512) 463-9581

    For questions or additional information, please submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.

      

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    Science Newsletter Archive

    Math and Science Team

    Shawna Wiebusch
    Math and Science Director 

    Carla Bailey
    Elementary Science and Math Content Specialist

    Liz Baker
    Secondary Science Content Specialist

    Michelle Sedberry
    Statewide STEM Coordinator

    Julie Kuhn   
    Mathematics Achievement Academies Coordinator  

    James Slack   
    Secondary Mathematics Specialist