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Science

The foundation for successful science education has its roots in elementary school. Science themes, content, and practices essential for post-secondary success begin in the primary grades and are expanded and built upon in successive grades. The themes, content, and practices of science are not taught in isolation; they work together to help ensure that students have the knowledge and abilities to participate in society. Likewise, science and the other content fields which make up the curriculum need to be taught in collaboration. Teaching reading, language arts, social studies, and math in connection with science helps to achieve a truly integrated curriculum.
 
The science team at Region 7 supports success for all students through teacher and administrator education using:
  • Workshops that improve content understanding and promote best practices.
  • Timely updates of regulations and legislation impacting the science classroom.
  • Connecting teachers with real-world learning opportunities for themselves and their students.
 

Science Workshops and Resources

STAAR redesign includes several components:

  • Online Testing and Accommodations
  • New Question Types
  • Cross-curricular Passages (Science passages in RLA)
  • Evidence-based Writing
Here are some resources that will help you support student success on STAAR.

 

Stay up-to-date with STAAR redesign by attending this workshop series. Each workshop will provide a greater depth of understanding of STAAR Redesign.
 
Additionally, you can request district-specific STAAR update training in person or virtually. 
The recently adopted science TEKS affects the curriculum in concepts (addition and removal) and thinking. One of the most significant changes to the new TEKS is the move to Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and the addition of Recurring Themes and Concepts (RTCs). These standards are designed to help students practice the work of scientists. Students will also need to learn more about phenomena through discovery while connecting concepts found throughout physical, life, earth, and space sciences.
 
SEP 
RTC
 
We are working hard to understand better these standards and how to incorporate them into our science pedagogy. These new standards allow us to move away from rote memorization and toward allowing students to demonstrate an understanding of the phenomena through practices and themes. Throughout these next few years, I hope we learn how to move beyond students completing assigned tasks and towards encouraging sense-making through investigation, interpretation, and communication of science.
 
Below is a timeline I encourage you to follow as we prepare for implementation. Notice that the bars do not end, and more gets added on. For example, you should not focus on the SEPs and RTCs for the 21-22 school year only; rather, continue every year to better your understanding of each as we take steps leading us to full implementation.
New TEKS Timeline
Below is a checklist I encourage you to follow as we prepare for implementation. I encourage you now to begin working through Phase 1 during the 2022-2023 school year. The following school year will start Phase 2 for most teachers. Most workshops listed on this checklist are ready to be taken this summer. During Solid Science Cadre meetings (see dropdown below), Paul and I will discuss the bolded items. These cadre meetings can be scheduled for specific districts by contacting [email protected] or [email protected].
checklist
Begin preparing for New TEKS implementation now by joining the Solid Science Cadre. This workgroup seeks to create procedures, techniques, and materials that will support students' understanding by combining Practices, Themes, and Concepts surrounding the content knowledge standards now in the TEKS.  
Solid Science Cadre
Phase 1:
  • Examine Recurring Themes and Concepts
  • Use TEKS Side by Side (identify deleted, moved, edited, and new content)
  • Identify equipment needs (new, no longer needed, moved to another grade level)
  • Examine the Vertical Alignment of Content and Themes
Face-to-Face Meetings
 
Phase 2:
  • Connect grade levels to share lesson plans and content understanding
  • Edit current lessons to align with new TEKS
  • Prepare for Instructional Materials Adoption
Face-to-Face Meetings
 
These cadre meetings can be scheduled for specific districts by contacting [email protected] or [email protected].
 

Research shows high-quality instructional materials are critical to improving student outcomes. Region 7 Teachers and students deserve the highest quality instructional materials that align with Texas standards and reflect research-based science instructional practices. Unfortunately, many of these resources do not address the full needs of Texas students and teachers. Below are rubrics developed by the Texas Resource Review (a product of the Texas Education Agency). These rubrics can empower school districts to make informed decisions for their students. 

Science K–8

Science 9–12

 

Additionally, TEA will provide Science Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) training beginning in Fall 2023. The purpose of RBIS training is to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement evidence-based teaching strategies in the classroom effectively. Knowing these strategies in advance will assist in selecting materials that meet state and local goals. 

 

Lastly, we invite you to join us for Proclamation 2024 (K-12 Science) on February 8 (243982) or 9 (244005) to preview instructional materials. By gaining understanding through TRR and RBIS, Region 7 science educators will be better equipped with the right instructional materials. When teachers have access to high-quality instructional materials, they’re better equipped to individualize the learning experience and support every child.

STAAR Review
Professional Organization
 
Region 7 Texas EcosySTEM Image

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