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Thank you for subscribing to the TEA science newsletter. Today's newsletter provides information related to:
- TEKS in Focus
- Celebrate Great Teaching with PAEMST
- Get to Know the Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee (TEEAC)
Updates Across the Agency:
- Texas Virtual School Network Science Course Options
How helpful is the information in this newsletter?
TEKS in Focus highlights key concepts and student expectations to assist educators in implementing the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). A clear understanding of the revised science TEKS that are being implemented beginning with the 2024-25 school year can directly impact student success. TEKS in Focus will highlight those changes along a vertical continuum from elementary school to high school for specific key concepts.
In most grade levels, the expected student understanding of key concepts related to weather and climate is more rigorous than in the previous TEKS. In elementary grades, students focus on recording and describing weather in grade 1 and comparing weather data in grade 3. New to grade 2 is the study of severe weather. The study of weather and climate for middle school is centered in grade 8 where students focus on the interactions among the energy from the Sun, hydrosphere, and atmosphere and their influence on weather and climate. View or download the November TEKS In Focus.
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Celebrate great teaching with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) |
A Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) nomination is a great way to tell an experienced teacher that they are doing work worthy of national recognition. Don't wait to be nominated; teachers of grades 7-12 can start an application today. This program provides 25 hours of continuing professional education credit for engaging in self-reflection while completing the application.
PAEMST is now accepting applications for the 2025 competition for teachers who teach math or science in grades 7 through 12. To sign up, apply, or find more information about the awards, teachers can visit www.paemst.nsf.gov. In Texas, questions can be sent to tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov. Honor a teacher by making a nomination today.
Since 1983, the PAEMST award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government specifically for K–12 mathematics and science teaching. The 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.
Get to Know the Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee (TEEAC)
The Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee (TEEAC) serves educators and informal science providers throughout the state. TEEAC maintains a network of providers of environmental education professional development, including universities, local and state agencies, museums, and nature centers. View the current list of TEEAC Providers. The TEEAC Providers network helps ensure that teacher professional development is educationally sound and consistent with the TEKS.
Educators may earn an environmental education Certificate of Recognition by completing 45 hours of professional development from TEEAC providers and submitting a Coursework Verification Form.
For more information, see the TEEAC webpage and the TEEAC Frequently Asked Questions.
Updates Across the Agency:
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Science Course Options
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The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) can help meet students’ needs through TEA-approved online courses. The TXVSN statewide course catalog provides science courses that may meet a student's graduation requirement.
The TXVSN courses are aligned to the 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.
These links are provided by our colleagues in other parts of the Agency:
Student Assessment
Special Populations
Curriculum Standards and Student Support
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