Science Update

Greetings, Science Bulletin Members.

Topics included in this bulletin:

• Proposed Revisions to the Science TEKS

• Science Application for TEKS Review Work Groups

• Texas Home Learning Webinars
• Innovative Course

Proposed Revisions to the Science TEKS

At the September 2020 State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, the SBOE approved for first reading and filing authorization proposed new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the following high school science courses: Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), and Physics. The proposal recommends an implementation date of the 2023–2024 school year. The SBOE is scheduled to consider the proposed new TEKS for second reading and final adoption at its November 2020 meeting.

The official public comment period for the proposed new TEKS for high school science is now open. To view the proposed revisions and submit public comments, visit

http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Laws_and_Rules/SBOE_Rules_(TAC)/Proposed_State_Board_of_Education_Rules/.

When submitting a comment, please be sure to include the course name(s), the number of the knowledge and skill statement, and the letter of the student expectation, if applicable (for example, Chemistry, 13.C).

You are encouraged to submit public comments as early in the comment period as possible. Public comments will be shared with SBOE members and their content advisors each week. Specific, actionable feedback submitted early in the 30-day timeframe provides SBOE members with more information and time to consider comments.

Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter C, High School

Public Comment Period: October 9, 2020–November 13, 2020

Earliest Possible Date of Adoption: November 2020 SBOE meeting

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Science Application for TEKS Review Work Groups

The SBOE is still 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 via webinar.

Applicants who teach science at kindergarten – grade 5 and the following high school courses: Aquatic Science, Astronomy, Earth and Space Science, and Environmental Systems are needed. Additionally, career and technical education courses eligible for science credit will be under review. CTE teachers and representatives from the business and industry community are encouraged to apply.

To access the application and for more information regarding the science TEKS review, please visit the Science TEKS Review web page at https://tea.texas.gov/academics/curriculum-standards/teks-texas-essential-knowledge-and-skills-teks-review/science-teks-review

Questions regarding the application or TEKS review process may be sent via email to teks@tea.texas.gov.

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Texas Home Learning Webinars

Texas Home Learning (THL) 3.0 is a comprehensive initiative to support school systems, teachers, parents, and students during the public health crisis and beyond with high-quality instructional materials, technology solutions, and professional development resources.

TEA is pleased to announce the following upcoming webinars for THL. These webinars are offered as optional resources for any Texas educator interested in using the available THL instructional materials.

TEA Innovative Courses Update

New Innovative Courses

The Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division has published updates to the Innovative Courses webpage for the current 2020–2021 school year. Updates include—

• a revised list of all currently approved courses;
• new course options in fine arts and social studies; and
• newly approved career and technical education (CTE) courses to address Programs of Study.

Complete course descriptions that include content standards, recommended resources, and educator certification requirements are available to download from the content area pages. As a reminder, school districts must have the approval of their local board of trustees to offer approved innovative courses, and innovative courses are eligible to meet state elective credit only and may not be used to fulfill any other specific graduation requirement.

Innovative Course Approval Process

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now accepting applications for innovative courses for the 2021–2022 school year. The course application and procedures may be accessed via the Innovative Courses webpage.

Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 74.27, allows school districts to offer innovative courses to enable students to master knowledge, skills, and competencies not included in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Each innovative course must be academically rigorous and address the needs of students across the state. Innovative courses must be approved by either the State Board of Education (SBOE) or the commissioner of education. State-approved innovative courses may satisfy state elective credit toward graduation. The approval of the local board of trustees is required in order for school districts and charter schools to offer state-approved innovative courses with.

TEA will review applications in the order in which they are received and make recommendations for approval. The application timeline for innovative courses will be as follows:

• Applicants will have the opportunity to submit preliminary work to the agency for feedback by December 1, 2020.
• Applications for the renewal of existing courses must be received by December 18, 2020. Please refer to the expiring courses list.
• Applications for new innovative courses must be received by January 19, 2021.

Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative course applications as early in the application window as possible.

Courses that require SBOE approval will be considered by the board at the January 2021 or April 2021 meeting. All applicants will receive a final determination no later than May 1, 2021.

Expiring Innovative Courses

The list of innovative courses expiring at the end of the 2020–2021 school year is available on the Innovative Courses webpage. Should TEA not receive an application to renew, the agency may expire the course at the end of the current school year.

Questions related to current innovative courses, expiring innovative courses, or the course application and approval process may be directed to Kelsey Kling, Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division, by phone at (512) 463-9581 or by email at innovative.courses@tea.texas.gov.

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Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

Science Team

Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division

curriculum@tea.texas.gov

(512) 463-9581

The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.