Mathematics Communication 8-2-2022

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Texas Education Agency

April 23, 2021

Curriculum Standards and
Student Support

boy at board working on math

Mathematics Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing to the TEA mathematics newsletter!

Below you will find information related to the following topics.

  • 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) nomination window now open
  • ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment Windows for 2022–2023 School Year
  • Join a TEA Instructional Materials Focus Group!

2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) nomination window now open

The 2022-2023 nomination and application windows for grades 7 - 12 teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are now open. The award program is open to teachers of —

  • mathematics,
  • science,
  • engineering (science),
  • computer science (math),
  • technology applications (science), and 
  • other math or science related career and technical education courses.

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 can be nominated or sign-up NOW at www.paemst.org. If you know great teachers, encourage them to join this prestigious network of professionals. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by February 6, 2022 will receive 25 CPE hours.

For questions, contact tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov or 512-463-9581.


ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment Windows for 2022–2023 School Year

The purpose of the ESTAR/MSTAR Universal Screeners is to determine if a student is at-risk for algebra readiness. The content in these screeners does not cover all the TEKS for the grade levels. The results should be used to guide instruction for whole class and interventions where appropriate. The diagnostic assessments can then be used to find specific areas of needs for the students who are identified as “at-risk” for algebra readiness by the Universal Screener. These tools can be accessed on the Texas Gateway at http://www.texasgateway.org/.

The ESTAR/MSTAR Universal Screeners, Diagnostic Assessments, and professional development courses are available at no cost to all Texas public school districts. For account creation assistance, contact mathTX@esc13.net.

Universal Screener

  • Fall                  August 15, 2022 – October 7, 2022
  • Winter             January 9, 2023 – February 10, 2023
  • Spring             April 17, 2023 – May 19, 2023

Diagnostic Assessments

  • Fall                  August 28, 2022 – October 14, 2022
  • Winter             January 16, 2023 – February 17, 2023
  • Spring             April 24, 2023 – May 26, 2023

ESTAR/MSTAR Professional Development

Teachers are encouraged to complete the appropriate online professional development courses when using the ESTAR/MSTAR Universal Screeners and Diagnostic Assessments. The following online courses are available on the Texas Math Support Center (http://texasmathsupportcenter.org/):


Join a TEA Instructional Materials Focus Group!

Would you like to join a instructional materials focus group to collaborate, suggest improvements and make an impact on one or more of the TEA’s instructional materials offerings?

The Texas Education Agency provides school districts and educators with direct access to an optional set of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) designed especially for Texas students! We are seeking educator feedback as we work to continuously improve these materials. Focus groups typically meet for 60-75 minutes each month and the feedback they produce helps inform future editions of TEA’s instructional materials. We are currently recruiting for Carnegie Texas Math Solution (6-12), Math Products (K-5), Amplify English Language Proficiency (K-5), Amplify Spanish Skills (K-2), Odell English Language Arts & Reading (9-12), Social Studies (K-5) and in Development Product (Pre-K). Please stay tuned for future opportunities in other subjects and grade bands.

To fill out a short interest form, please click here. We look forward to hearing from you.


Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

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