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. 

The key concepts related to biological structures and functions have undergone a few important changes from the previous TEKS. Specific focus is on plants in grade 1 and on animals in grade 2. Additional emphasis in all elementary grades is placed on the function of specific plant and animal structures and how they allow organisms to interact and thrive in their environments. Life science concepts such as organelle functions were moved from grade 7 to grades 6 and 8. Download the full TEKS in Focus, February 2025 edition for a complete view of the vertical changes. 

UPDATED: Assessed Curriculum Documents Effective Beginning Spring 2026 

The Assessed Curriculum documents that will be in effect beginning with the Spring 2026 administration were updated on Jan. 15, 2025. Based on the feedback received from the field, readiness and supporting labels have been added to the documents. As a reminder, readiness and supporting labels are used to build test forms only. Per state law and rule, ALL TEKS are required to be taught; these documents should NOT truncate the curriculum taught in the classrooms. [Texas Education Code Sec. 28.002; Texas Administrative Code §74.2, §74.3]  

The Assessed Curriculum documents and other science STAAR materials are available on the STAAR Science Resources webpage of the TEA website. 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the 2024 Annual Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the progress made in Texas public education while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that remain.  

The report provides a detailed look at TEA’s strategic priorities, ongoing implementation of legislation passed during the 88th legislative session, and the statewide efforts to strengthen educational outcomes for Texas’s more than 5.5 million public school students. The report also features an accessible explanation of how the Texas public education system is funded and how those funds are allocated to school systems. 

“Education is the foundation of our state’s future, and the 2024 Annual Report reflects our continued dedication to ensuring all Texas students have access to the teachers, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. “This report not only tracks our progress but also identifies areas where additional investments are critical to ensuring every student receives a quality education that prepares them for the future.”  

The 2024 Annual Report serves as a vital resource for understanding the current state of education in Texas and the ongoing efforts to provide every student with a high-quality educational experience. 

To view a full copy of the 2024 Annual Report and the 2023-24 Pocket Edition, please visit the TEA Annual Report page.