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
Click Here to Learn More about the New Science TEKS
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.
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, we 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 we encourage you to follow as we prepare for implementation. Notice that the bars do not end, and more gets added on.
Click Here to Learn More about STAAR Redesign
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.
Additionally, you can request district-specific STAAR update training in person or virtually.
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.
Click Here for Additional Links & Resources
