Science Newsletter
June 14, 2021
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
JULY INTERSESSION: JUMPSTART ENRICHMENT MODULES
Matters of Science
Grade Bands: K - 1, 2 - 3, 4 - 5, 6 - 8, or 9 - 12
Overview: For each grade band, we are providing an enrichment module in physical science, one in earth/space or environmental science, and one in life science. These activities are designed to provide students engaging opportunities to demonstrate scientific literacy through playful learning activities. Each module is approximately 1 to 2 days worth of material.
Nature with Nurture: Garden Basics
Grade Bands: K - 2, 3 - 5, and 6 - 8
Overview: These activities are designed to provide students engaging opportunities in learning about the garden ecosystem and how to grow plants.
To prepare campuses to utilize these enrichment modules, the Science Department will be hosting trainings on the following dates:
Wednesday, June 16: 4:30 - 5:30
Tuesday, July 13: 9:00 - 10:00 or 10:30 - 11:30
Click here to see more information about Jumpstart Trainings.
BIOLOGY EOC RESOURCES FOR JUNE RETEST
- Region 4 – Teaching Biology with E’s: Student-Centered 5E Lesson Series
- Sirius Workbooks and Zingers
- Region 4 – STAAR Review to Go Volumes I and II
- Region 4 – Supporting STAAR Achievement in Science
- STEMscopes – Biology ReTEKS
- Dana Center Modules
- Science Cut-Ups
- SAISD EOC Resources
LAYING THE FOUNDATION TRAINING
Last year, SAISD, in partnership with National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and Laying the Foundations (LTF), provided a unique opportunity for high school teachers to engage in LTF training. LTF training is designed to provide teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to elevate student thinking and learning. Teachers had the opportunity to build and maintain subject matter expertise, enhance leadership in diverse classrooms, and prepare students for critical thinking and problem solving at advanced levels.
Due to the success of the first year implementation, we are fortunate to be able to extend this opportunity to additional teachers throughout the 21-22 school year including middle school teachers. Our goal is to strengthen the pipeline of students entering high school with knowledge and skills to be successful in advanced science coursework. With this in mind, we are reaching out to determine interest, participation, and commitment to this initiative.
The training dates are listed below, and we are looking for science middle school teachers who can commit to attending all of the training dates:
- Full Days (8:30 - 3:30) - June 28 & June 29
- Half Days (10:30 - 1:45) - September 18, October 23, November 13, & February 19
If you are interested, please complete this form so we can begin building our contact lists for this opportunity! Here is a flyer that provides broad information about this program
SCIENCE TEKS REVISION UPDATES
ELEMENTARY TEKS REVISION
Work Group E draft versions of the revised Elementary TEKS has been released. Work Group E draft recommendations are presented in two formats. The TEKS draft recommendations present the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales. The draft recommendations also list the current TEKS for each grade level and identify whether the content was moved, renumbered, or deleted.Work Group E Science TEKS Review Draft Recommendations, Kindergarten-Grade 5
The side-by-side document presents the recommendations for kindergarten-grade 5 in a table to demonstrate progression of scientific concepts across grade levels and allows readers to trace the development of scientific concepts in each strand.
Science Draft Recommendations Side-by-Side, Kindergarten-Grade 5
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEKS REVISION
The Work Group C recommendations for science are presented in two formats. The TEKS draft recommendations present the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales. The draft recommendations also list the current TEKS for each grade level and identify whether the content was moved, renumbered, or deleted.
The current version of the draft recommendations differs from a previous version to reflect Work Group C's proposed changes to the introduction approved for high school courses adopted by the SBOE in November 2020.
Work Group C Science TEKS Review Draft Recommendations, Grades 6-8 Updated 4/6/2021
The Side-by-Side document presents the recommendations for all three grades in a table to demonstrate progression of scientific concepts across grade levels and allows readers to trace the development of scientific concepts in each strand.
Science Draft Recommendations Side-by-Side, Grades 6-8
OTHER HIGH SCHOOL COURSES TEKS
Work Group D was charged to make recommendations to revise the TEKS for the following high school courses: Aquatic Science, Astronomy, Earth and Space Science, and Environmental Systems. Additionally, the work group has proposed a new high school independent study course, Specialized Topics in Science.
The Work Group D final recommendations are presented below. After the January 2021 SBOE meeting, Work Group D reconvened to complete its recommendations for the Earth Systems Science course and to address feedback from the SBOE and SBOE-appointed content advisors. This document reflects Work Group D's final recommendations.
Work Group D Final Recommendations
PROVIDING FEEDBACK ON REVISED TEKS
Science TEKS Review Feedback will be accepted in response to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) work group drafts throughout the review and revision process. Comments on drafts will help to inform future work groups' recommendations.
When providing specific comments and recommendations for a work group, please identify the work group in the subject line of the email. For example, in the subject line, please indicate "Science TEKS Review Work Group C Feedback."
Please submit comments to TEA at teks@tea.texas.gov.
Angela Paskell, Director of Science
Email: apaskell1@saisd.net
Website: www.saisd.net/science
Location: 406 Barrera Street, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-554-2525
Twitter: @SAISD_Science