Science Newsletter
12/13/19
CURRICULUM UNITS OF STUDY NOW LIVE
In this Phase I of writing, we developed the following curriculum documents:
- Control Panels: Unit Overview, Big Ideas, Essential Questions, TEKS, Process Standards, ELPS, SEAD Competencies, Technology TEKS, Formative Assessment Playbook, Strategies for ELs
- Learning Targets & Success Criteria
- Unit Assessment Items
- Essential Vocabulary: English & Spanish Essential Vocabulary for Elementary, English & Cognates for Secondary, vocabulary instructional strategies
- Writing Extensions: One to two writing prompts per unit, sentence stems, rubrics/success criteria
- Instructional Resources: Adopted and Supplemental Resources
Any documents not hyperlinked on the Control Panel (digital dashboard) will be written during the Phase II Writing in the 2020 - 2021 school year.
SCIENCE TEKS REVIEW WORK GROUP APPLICATION NOW OPEN!
The State Board of Education (SBOE) will soon begin the review and revision of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science. The SBOE’s TEKS review and revision process calls for multiple, separate work groups to make recommendations to the SBOE for revisions to the current standards. SBOE members nominate individuals, including educators, parents, business and industry representatives, and employers, to serve on TEKS review work groups.
The SBOE is now accepting applications for science TEKS review work groups. Applications received will be submitted to SBOE members for review throughout the process. Individuals selected will be asked to serve on one or more work groups. The TEKS review work groups will convene in Austin for a minimum of one face-to-face meeting. Additional meetings may be conducted via webinar.
To access the application and for more information regarding the science TEKS review, please visit the Science TEKS Review webpage at https://tea.texas.gov/academics/curriculum-standards/teks-texas-essential-knowledge-and-skills-teks-review/science-teks-review
TEXAS GIRLS IN STEM DAY
CURRICULUM WRITERS STILL NEEDED
HAVING TROUBLES WITH A DIGITAL RESOURCE?
APPLICATIONS & NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE TEACHING (PAEMST) ARE OPEN
The 2019-2020 nomination and application mathematics and science teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are now open. Kindergarten through grade 6 math and science teachers are eligible. The PAEMST awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 4,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation.
Teachers must be signed up or nominated by March 1, 2020. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by May 1, 2020 will receive 25 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.
The application deadline is May 1, 2020.
If you know great teachers, encourage them to join this prestigious network of professionals. Sign up to apply or nominate an educator at www.paemst.org.
For questions, contact tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov or 512-463-9581.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NETWORKS 2019 - 2020
The Science Department will pay for substitutes for the dates below. Teachers must have the permission of their principal to attend. Click on the title of the PLN to register in Performance Matters. *No Substitutes Needed
5th Grade PLN: January 6*, February 18, March 6*
6th Grade PLN: February 4
7th Grade PLN: February 19
8th Grade PLN: February 25
Biology PLN: February 6
Chemistry PLN: February 11
Physics PLN: March 24
Environmental Systems PLN: January 28
VIRTUAL PDS FOR 5TH, 8TH, AND BIOLOGY
Virtual PDs will be provided for each unit a week or two weeks prior to start of each unit per the Pacing Calendar. All PD sessions will be recorded and available the following day on our Science Professional Learning Webpage in the "Training Materials" folders for the Virtual PDs. The Virtual PDs will include topics such as deconstructing the TEKS, recommended resources, suggested investigations, etc. Click on the title of the Virtual PD to register in Performance Matters where the information on how to access the PD session will be provided.
December 16, February 10, April 13, May 4
December 16, February 20
December 16, January 27, February 10, March 2, March 30, and April 13
HOW TO ACCESS THE VIRTUAL PDS LIVE
For 5th Grade Virtual PDs: https://zoom.us/j/5927784195
For 8th Grade Virtual PDs: https://zoom.us/j/2164483786
For Biology Virtual PDs: https://zoom.us/j/9718936014
All recorded Zoom Meetings can be found on our Science Professional Learning Calendar in the "Training Materials" folders
DEPARTMENT CHAIR MEETINGS
January 28, February 25, March 17, April 28
Middle School (4:45 to 6:00)
January 7, February 4, March 3
Academic Coordinating Teachers (4:00 - 5:30)
February 18
Angela Paskell, Director of Science
Email: apaskell1@saisd.net
Website: https://saisdofficeofacademics.weebly.com/science.html
Location: 406 Barrera Street, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-554-2525
Twitter: @SAISD_Science