Mathematics Newsletter

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Below you will find information related to the following topics.

• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Finalists for 2024
• New Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program Webpage
• Mathematics Achievement Academies
• Updated Innovative Course Application Timeline
• Texas Virtual School Network
• ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment and 2023-2024 Testing Windows

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Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (PAEMST) Finalists for 2024

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, technology applications, and math- or science-related career and technical education (CTE) courses. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in improving mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 4,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

The 2023-2024 review of applications for the PAEMST program is complete. This year’s cohort included kindergarten through grade 6 teachers of mathematics and science. Three finalists for each subject area were chosen to represent Texas in the national review. For the national review, one science and one mathematics teacher will be chosen as the 2023-2024 Texas awardees.

Presidential awardees receive a citation 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.
The three mathematics finalists for 2023-2024 are:

• Tracy Fumo, who teaches grade 5 at Caldwell Performing Arts Academy in Tyler Independent School District, Tyler, Texas.
• Lauren Palos, who teaches grade 4 math and science at Stuchbery Elementary School in Pasadena Independent School District in Pasadena, Texas.
• Mark Rogers, who teaches grade 5 at Austin Achieve Middle School, Austin, Texas

The 2024-2025 competition is scheduled to open in August 2024 for teachers of mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, technology applications, and math- or science-related CTE courses in grades 7 through 12. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by the deadline will earn 25 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit. For more information, teachers can visit www.paemst.org or email tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov.

New Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program Webpage

The Texas Education Agency has developed a new webpage designed to support implementation of middle school advanced mathematics programs. On March 28, a webinar was held reviewing the law, proposed commissioner’s rules, and implementation considerations. The webinar and its slides are now posted to the new webpage and an FAQ is coming soon. Additionally, office hours will be posted to this new webpage along with TEA resources which may support implementation. You can visit the Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program webpage at https://tea.texas.gov/academics/subject-areas/mathematics/middle-school-advanced-mathematics-program.

Mathematics Achievement Academies

The Mathematics Achievement Academy has a new webpage. Find out about academy offerings, answers to frequently asked questions, and more by visiting the TEA Mathematics Achievement Academies webpage.

For all statewide Mathematics Achievement Academy session dates and times, please contact your regional education service center. For other questions, please submit a ticket to the TEA Help Desk.

Updated Innovative Course Application Timeline

To benefit both innovative course applicants and local education agencies (LEAs) who wish to implement innovative courses, the timeline for future innovative course application cycles has been updated. The updated timeline is designed to provide additional time for the following:

• Applicants to complete applications
• Applicants to receive local board approval
• Applicants to complete course pilots and analyze data
• Districts and open-enrollment charters to plan for innovative course implementation

Courses that are approved will be available for implementation beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

The 2025-2026 application cycle for innovative courses opened on February 26, 2024. The complete innovative course application timeline is available on the TEA innovative courses webpage.

Need help meeting a student’s course needs?

The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) can help meet students’ needs through TEA-approved online courses. The TXVSN statewide course catalog provides schools and students access to high school, Advanced Placement, career and technical education, and dual credit courses for initial credit or credit recovery. The course catalog provides all the required mathematics courses needed to meet a student's graduation requirement.

The TXVSN courses are aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and taught by Texas-certified teachers trained in best practices in online instruction. Schools can use the TXVSN courses to create flexibility in a student’s schedule, allow a student to accelerate their learning, or address local teacher shortages. Students enrolled in a TXVSN course can generate funding regardless of whether the student is physically present at school while participating in the course. For more information about the courses offered through the TXVSN, please visit the TXVSN website or contact the TXVSN Help Desk.

ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment and 2023-2024 Testing Windows

The end of the year assessment window for Elementary School Students in Texas: Algebra Ready (ESTAR) and Middle-School Students in Texas: Algebra Ready (MSTAR) Universal Screener opens in January. Data from the mid-year assessment window informs teachers and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams of student progress and supports them in making decisions about student academic interventions. The data also provides campus leaders with data on Tier 1 instruction or on any algebra-related mathematic initiatives the campus or district has embarked on.

To learn more about the ESTAR and MSTAR Assessments, visit https://www.texasgateway.org/resource/estarmstar. For questions regarding accounts and general assistance, email mathtx@esc13.net.

Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

Mathematics Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
Curriculum Help Desk
(512) 463-9581