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Thank you for subscribing to the TEA mathematics newsletter!
Below you will find information related to the following topics:
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Middle School Advanced Mathematics Updates
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Administrative Rules for Middle School Advanced Mathematics
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Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program Webpage
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Texas Virtual School Network – New Middle School Advanced Mathematics Courses Now Available
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Mathematics Achievement Academies
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ESTAR/MSTAR System for Algebra Readiness
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October Math Office Hour - Prerequisites
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Free Texas Mobile STEM Lab Professional Development
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Updated Innovative Course Application Timeline
The following message is included as a courtesy to readers:
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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. There are links to various resources such as the frequently asked question document, video of the March 28 webinar, its slides, and sample letter to parents. You can visit the Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program webpage at https://tea.texas.gov/academics/subject-areas/mathematics/middle-school-advanced-mathematics-program
Frequently Asked Questions
The Texas Education Agency has developed a frequently asked questions document designed to support implementation of middle school advanced mathematics program. This document provides answers to common questions regarding automatic enrollment, assessment, accountability, local measures, certifications, opting out, and parent notification.
Administrative Rules
Administrative rules for the Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program became effective July 8, 2024. The rules can be found in 19 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter DD, Commissioner’s Rules on Mathematics Education, §74.2101, Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program.
Under the program, a school district or open-enrollment charter school must automatically enroll in an advanced mathematics course each Grade 6 student whose performance was either in the 60th percentile or higher on the Grade 5 Mathematics State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) assessment or in the top 40% on a local measure that includes either the student’s Grade 5 class ranking or demonstrated proficiency in the student’s Grade 5 mathematics coursework.
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The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) is proud to announce the release of online middle school advanced mathematics courses available now to help districts meet the statutory requirements of Senate Bill 2124 (Texas Education Code, §28.029).
The new TXVSN middle school advanced math courses, offered by three TXVSN course providers, are aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and taught by Texas-certified teachers trained in the best practices in online instruction. The advanced math courses may cover TEKS for multiple grade levels in a single semester. If a student completes the available courses from the same provider, they will have received instruction in all the middle school mathematics standards.
Schools can use the TXVSN courses to address local teacher shortages, create flexibility in a student’s schedule, or allow a student to accelerate their learning. 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 course catalog or contact the TXVSN Help Desk.
Mathematics Achievement Academies
The summer Mathematics Achievement Academy sessions are wrapping up. Teachers that have attended the Problem Solving and Discourse sessions for kindergarten–grade 3 and the three-day academies for grades 4 and 5 have studied the problem-solving model as a heuristic. To learn more about the TEKS-based problem-solving model, watch the video below and download a copy of the problem-solving model tool.
Find out about academy offerings, answers to frequently asked questions, and more by visiting the TEA Mathematics Achievement Academies webpage.
ESTAR/MSTAR System for Algebra Readiness
 The ESTAR (grades 2–4) and MSTAR (grades 5–8) universal screeners consist of approximately 24 questions that assess understanding in positive whole and rational numbers along with understanding of variables, expressions, and equations. The results of the screener inform educators of which students may be at risk for not meeting algebra readiness expectations and the degree of support students may need. The universal screener can be administered three times a year for progress monitoring. The 2024–2025 fall universal screener assessment window is open through October 11, 2024.
Following the administration of the ESTAR/MSTAR universal screener, select students should be given a more focused and comprehensive ESTAR/MSTAR diagnostic assessment so that the teacher can determine specific intervention needs.
Additional tools within the system provide decision-making support for campus and district MTSS teams. Connected lessons for intervention are also available.
To learn more about the no cost assessment, visit the ESTAR/MSTAR webpage or contact your regional education service center.
October Math Office Hour - Prerequisites
On October 2, 2024, from 2:30–3:30 Central, the Counseling, Advising, and Student Supports team of College, Career, and Military Preparation division and the Math team of the Curriculum Standards and Student Support division will be hosting a joint office hour to discuss prerequisites in general and math prerequisites in particular. Distinguished Level of Achievement and other topics are welcome, as well.
Although this session is intended for counselors, all will be welcomed. We look forward to your questions. You can register for this opportunity at https://zoom.us/j/99862903152.
Free Texas Mobile STEM Lab Professional Development
Learning Undefeated’s Texas Mobile STEM Lab team will offer free virtual professional development opportunities for K–grade 8 teachers. During the sessions, the Learning Undefeated team will walk educators through hands-on engineering design challenges that can be modified to fit their classroom needs. Sessions will also include guidance on how to develop and facilitate a TEKS-aligned engineering design challenge.
Event Dates:
Kindergarten–5th grade: Tuesday, September 24 | 3:30 PM CST registration
6th grade–8th grade: Wednesday, September 25 | 4:00 PM CST registration
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
Approved courses will be available for implementation starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
The 2025-2026 application window for innovative courses will close on September 13, 2024. The complete innovative course application timeline is available on the TEA innovative courses webpage.
The following message is included as a courtesy to readers:
Discover STEM Walks with talkSTEM: Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Student
TalkSTEM, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to transforming STEM education. TalkSTEM provides free, high-quality materials for teachers to access video resources highlighting where science and math can be found in a student’s surroundings. Educators can access the video library to enhance their lessons or create their own engaging STEM stop videos. The organization’s mission is to empower educators with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Explore the world of STEM and make learning an adventure!
As a courtesy to our readers, here are some links to materials provided by our colleagues in other parts of the Texas Education Agency.
Student Assessment
Instructional Materials
Special Populations
Curriculum Standards and Student Support
Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.
Mathematics Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
(512) 463-9581
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