Social Studies Newsletter

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Texas Education Agency

February 9, 2022

Curriculum Standards and
Student Support
SS Children

Social Studies Newsletter, February 2022

Thank you for subscribing to the TEA social studies newsletter.

Today's newsletter provides information related to the following topics:

  • February is African American History Month
  • TEKS Review and Revision
  • Assessment Educator Committees
  • Employment Opportunities in TEA’s Curriculum Division

February is African American History Month

 

As a state and nation shaped by the diversity of our citizens, it is vital we recognize and celebrate the different races, nationalities, and backgrounds of the land we love. Having faced slavery, many forms of oppression, deep-rooted adversity, and the life-threatening dangers of demanding equality and change, African Americans are imbued with a unique strength and resilience, and their contributions and achievements are respected and greatly valued in the Lone Star State. Each year, February is designated African American History Month to remember and reflect on the tribulations faced by the African American community while learning from the vibrant history and culture and celebrating its many invaluable contributions. Texas educators and students are encouraged to take pride in and discover more about the strength that comes from our diversity. The following website provides a wealth of resources and information for use throughout the year and during African American History Month.

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/subject-areas/social-studies/african-american-history-month

Update on Social Studies TEKS Review and Revision

 

The State Board of Education (SBOE) has authority for the review and adoption of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for each subject of the required curriculum. SBOE members nominate educators, parents, business and industry representatives, and employers to serve on review work groups. The information below provides details regarding the 2021–2022 review and revision of the TEKS for kindergarten-grade 12 social studies.

Social Studies Work Group Application

The SBOE is now accepting applications to serve on social studies TEKS review work groups. The SBOE's TEKS review and revision process calls for multiple, separate work groups. Applicants do not need to be educators to apply. Please enter information in the application that best reflects your experience. A link is provided below to the application.

https://tea.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39LY0ZqSaPRQO6a

 Work Groups

Throughout the revision process, applications are submitted to SBOE members for their review and approval. TEA then builds work groups from the pool of approved applicants and notifies selected applicants of their invitation to serve on a work group.

  • Work group members will be expected to complete an online orientation session prior to their work group meeting.
  • Work group members may be asked to complete pre-work exercises prior to their meeting.
  • Work group members may be asked to provide invited testimony at SBOE meetings.

Questions related to the application for the social studies TEKS review and revision process can be directed to teks@tea.texas.gov.

 

Draft Recommendations for Proposed New Personal Financial Literacy and Economics Course Available 

Social studies TEKS review Group A convened for a series of meetings to develop recommendations in response to Senate Bill (SB) 1063 from the 87th Texas Legislative Session, Regular Session, 2021. SB 1063 requires the SBOE to adopt TEKS for a new combined personal financial literacy and economics course that may fulfill a student's graduation requirement for economics. 

Work Group A’s recommendations are currently available for review and feedback on the 2021-2022 Social Studies TEKS Review Work Group Drafts web page under the heading Work Group A: Personal Financial Literacy and Economics.  

Feedback on work group recommendations will be accepted throughout the review process for the proposed new course. When providing specific comments and recommendations, please identify the work group in the subject line of the email. For example, in the subject line, please indicate "Social Studies TEKS Review Work Group A  Feedback." Please submit comments to TEA at teks@tea.texas.gov. 

Assessment Educator Committees

 

TEA is seeking classroom teachers, instructional coaches, campus and district content specialists, and campus administrators to serve on a variety of assessment-related committees. The involvement of Texas education professionals supports TEA in designing and building the best quality assessments. TEA is accepting applications for the following teacher committees:

  • Early passage review meetings
  • Educator item review meetings
  • Essay rangefinding meetings
  • Subject-area advisory groups
  • STAAR redesign focus groups

 

Teacher and instructional specialists or coaches for the following grades and subject areas are encouraged to apply:

  • English language arts and reading, grades 3–8 and English I-II
  • Mathematics, grades 3–8 and Algebra I
  • Science, grades 5 and 8 and Biology
  • Social studies, grade 8 and U.S. History
  • Spanish language arts and reading, grades 3–5
  • Spanish mathematics, grades 3–5
  • Spanish science, grade 5

 

To apply to participate in these committees, educators should complete the Educator Committee Application Form at https://www.txetests.com/edc/.

Employment Opportunities in TEA’s Curriculum Division

 

The Texas Education Agency has three positions available in the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division.

  • The Mathematics & Science Director provides statewide leadership for the K-12 mathematics and science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and the Mathematics Achievement Academies. The Mathematics & Science director leads a team of content experts in providing clarification and guidance regarding the K-12 math and science TEKS, guides the development and implementation of the Mathematics Achievement Academies, provides management for the development of resources aligned to the math and science TEKS, including the TEKS Guide, and coordinates the alignment and interpretation of the math and science TEKS across TEA initiatives.
  • The Statewide Virtual School Program Coordinator oversees the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) and carries out the vision, prioritization, planning and management of the TXVSN Program. The program coordinator effectively engages with a large volume of internal and external stakeholders to support educators and parents, course providers, online schools, and receiver districts regarding the TXVSN. The Statewide Virtual School Program Coordinator also promotes the TXVSN Program and implements ways to improve and streamline the program.
  • The Elementary Mathematics and Science Content Specialist provides statewide leadership for the kindergarten–grade 5 mathematics and science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS); reviews and develops resources aligned to the K-5 math and science TEKS, including the TEKS Guide and content for the Mathematics Achievement Academies; coordinates the implementation of mathematics, science, and general curriculum programs and legislation; and serves as a K–5 math and science content expert to support the alignment of the TEKS across multiple TEA initiatives.

 

The positions are currently posted on the TEA Employment Opportunities page. Interested and qualified candidates can apply for this position using the links above.

Please share this announcement with anyone you think may be qualified for and interested in these positions.

Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

Social Studies Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
curriculum@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9581