In 2021, the State of Texas adopted new science learning standards into Texas Administrative Code. This adoption now includes phase-in plans for implementing the new standards into the state curriculum. The graphic below outlines the timeline for the curriculum change, from original adoption to inclusion of assessment of the standards on the STAAR.

Please sign up for a deep dive into the new science TEKS. Plan to make a comparison between the incoming and outgoing standards, evaluate equipment needs and examine the change in expected learning outcomes as we learn to embrace this "next generation" of reform in science education.

The quality rubrics for reviewing SBOE adoptions have been developed, and publishers are now creating resources. Check the TRR website (button below) often to get updated on the review process and to view materials as reports are finalized.

• March-July 2023 — Texas Resource Reviews (TRR), Publishers Submit for Review

• July-September 2023 — TRR Reports Finalized

• October-November 2023 — SBOE Adoptions

• Winter-Spring 2024 — District-Level Textbook Adoption Committees Meet

• December 13-14, 2023 — ESC Region 11Science Textbook Adoption Preview

• Fall 2024 — New TEKS Implementation

The new science standards will bring change to science instruction in the State of Texas. Engineering practices have been instilled into science practices, expanding learning outcomes for science literacy instruction to include designing solutions to real-world problems. New resources are in development that will support the SEPs and student learning, with the eventual assessment of learning outcomes to be included on the STAAR.

Join ESC Region 11 for a session planned this fall. We will use literacy strategies to explore science topics and the new science and engineering practices (SEPs). This all-day session will equip you with instructional strategies you can use with your students this school year.

The TEKS for Technology Applications have been revised. Beginning in SY 2024, these learning standards will be required content for instruction in grades K-8 in Texas schools. Schools have the option of offering these standards as a stand-alone subject, or the standards may be embedded in other content areas, such as science.

Cyber.org representative Dr. Sheryl Roehl will be at ESC Region 11 on December 12 and 13 to offer training and curriculum resources to teachers for instruction on Cybersecurity and Computational Thinking. These sessions will help you build content for the new Technology Applications requirements. Please join us as we prepare for these critical changes in student learning.

Did you know that TEA Learn has opened Science Safety for all grade levels of instruction? You can now take science safety training for high school, middle school, AND elementary school classrooms. This training is self-paced and available for free to all Texas teachers.

Be sure to visit the TEA website to get informed on the current status of the Ph.D. Science resources. The website has been updated to include a FAQ section to answer questions you may have as you plan to provide future science education resources.

Follow the link below to find out more!

Early this summer, I began my new role serving as the Science/STEM Instructional Content Coach. My professional experience in education spans 22 years and includes work in a small private K-12 school, a suburban public school district, and a large, urban school district. During my years spent in the classroom, I taught all areas of core science and CTE engineering courses. Eventually, I led instruction by coaching teachers and providing professional development. In the summers, I consulted for a well-known engineering curriculum provider. I also taught college and university courses in science and education, developed sessions for national conferences, and researched STEM education topics. I am honored to bring my experience to ESC Region 11 to serve our community in this role.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please reach out and let me know how I can support your efforts in pursuit of excellence in Science and STEM education.

Monica K. Amyett, Ph.D.

Instructional Content Coach Science/STEM

Instructional Services, ESC Region 11

817-740-7520 : mamyett@esc11.net

f.s. Approved 11.8.22

JW 11.8.22

BM 11.8.22