PK-12 STEM Newsletter

November 2020

Texas STEM Announcements

The Texas Education Agency announces public comment for high school 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 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 TEA Public Comment.

Public Comment is open until Nov. 13, 2020

NEW: Scientific and Engineering Practices 

The proposed revisions would change the current process skills strand to scientific and engineering practices. This recommendation is based on feedback from SBOE content advisors to incorporate engineering design and application into the process skills because students need practice with application of science and engineering processes to explore concepts.

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. 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 TEKS Review.
Questions regarding the application or TEKS review process may be sent via email to https://tea.texas.gov/

Upcoming Events

Oct.9 Science TEKS Review Work Groups for K-5 Accepting Applications

Oct. 9-Nov. 13 High School Science TEKS Public Comment

November Schedule Texas Mobile STEM Lab will visit Regions 2 and 3

Nov. 10 Deadline to submit T-STEM Planning and Implementation Grant Proposal

Nov. 17 Federal STEM Briefing on the 5-Year Federal STEM Strategic Plan Update

STEM Ecosystems provide the architecture for cross-sector learning, offering all young people access to STEM-rich learning environments so they can develop important skills and engagement in STEM throughout PK-20.

Texas EcosySTEM Resources-

The Texas EcosySTEM has added three additional resources to the website since the June newsletter:

• Ecosystem Engagement Checklist-provides ideas for cross sector STEM engagement among stakeholders at the local level 
• STEM Event Planning Guide-is an event planning guide that can be used by any stakeholder hosting a STEM event
• STEM Engagement Ideas for STEM-is a list of STEM engagement ideas of how Texas EcosySTEM members can work together as a community to engage with PK-12 students for the purpose of developing and strengthening the STEM pipeline. 

Texas EcosySTEM Resources

Contact Information

Michelle Sedberry
STEM Coordinator

College, Career, and Military Preparation
Texas Education Agency

Texas EcosySTEM Regional Contact List 

STEM Leads by Education Service Center

ESC STEM Leads

Federal STEM Highlight

Federal STEM Briefing on the 5-Year Federal STEM Strategic Plan Update November 17 12:30-2:00

• Speakers from Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Website for More Information 

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Texas Mobile STEM Lab Spotlight

 Region 15 and 2

Lohn ISD Students engaged in the True Story of the Three Little Pigs STEM challenge "The stem lab was a wonderful experience for the students at Lohn- the Stem Lab Staff were professional and related to the students well. Our students were engaged and learning science , but also learning communication, team building and life skills as well. All students were eager to have the Stem Lab back again. Overall, the experience went far beyond my expectations." Principal DeLeon at Lohn ISD Pettus and Pawnee ISD On Friday, October 23, 2020, the Texas Mobile STEM Lab visited Pettus I.S.D. and provided memorable STEM experiences for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Students embarked on challenges led by Learning Undefeated educators, including a space capsule drop and maintaining a balance. The Texas Mobile STEM Lab also visited Pawnee I.S.D. on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 before continuing its road trip across Texas to deliver engineering design challenges to students across the state. Feature on the Nightly News

If you have a STEM event or program you would like to feature in the STEM newsletter please send your information and picture to michelle.sedberry@tea.texas.gov. 

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