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Amendments K–8 Science TEKS Considered at Second Reading

Amendments considered by the SBOE for second reading and final adoption of proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, Subchapter A, Elementary, and Subchapter B, Middle School, are provided on the documents below.

Approved by Committee of the Full Board

Additional Amendments

Work Group F: Final Recommendations, Kindergarten–Grade 8

Work Group F was convened in July 2021 to finalize recommendations for revisions to the science TEKS for kindergarten–grade 8. Work Group F was charged with ensuring that the final recommendations are vertically aligned and to review additional feedback. The work group also drafted a new strand on recurring themes and concepts based on a recommendation from Work Groups C and E.

The final recommendations for revisions to the K–8 science TEKS are presented in a vertical alignment chart. The chart presents the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales for the changes and reflects the alignment of the proposed recommendations across grade levels. 

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Revised Draft Recommendations: Kindergarten–Grade 8

Work Groups C and E reconvened for a series of virtual meetings in May and June 2021 to revise draft recommendations for kindergarten–grade 8. The work groups addressed feedback and completed revisions to their drafts. The revised draft recommendations are presented in a side-by-side format. The document is not intended to reflect vertical alignment.

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Work Group E: Elementary

Work Group E met for a series of virtual meetings between January and March 2021 to make recommendations to revise the TEKS for kindergarten through grade 5. 7mÊÓƵ is currently collecting feedback on Work Group E Draft Recommendations.

Work Group E draft recommendations are presented in two formats. The TEKS draft recommendations present the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales. The draft recommendations also list the current TEKS for each grade level and identify whether the content was moved, renumbered, or deleted.

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The side-by-side document presents the recommendations for kindergarten-grade 5 in a table to demonstrate progression of scientific concepts across grade levels and allows readers to trace the development of scientific concepts in each strand.

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Work Group D: Other High School Courses

Work Group D was charged to make recommendations to revise the TEKS for the following high school courses: Aquatic Science, Astronomy, Earth and Space Science, and Environmental Systems. Additionally, the work group has proposed a new high school independent study course, Specialized Topics in Science. 7mÊÓƵ is currently collecting feedback on Work Group D draft recommendations. 
 

Final Recommendations

The Work Group D final recommendations are presented below. After the January 2021 SBOE meeting, Work Group D reconvened to complete its recommendations for the Earth Systems Science course and to address feedback from the SBOE and SBOE-appointed content advisors. This document reflects Work Group D's final recommendations.

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Draft Recommendations

The Work Group D draft recommendations are presented below. Work Group D completed its recommendations for each of the courses with the exception of the Earth and Space Science course (Earth Systems Science). Preliminary recommendations for the course are provided as a separate, working document. The work group will reconvene to finalize its recommendations for the proposed Earth Systems course at a future meeting.

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Work Group C: Grades 6–8

Work Group C met for a series of virtual meetings between August and November 2020 to make recommendations to revise the TEKS for middle school, grades 6–8. 7mÊÓƵ is currently collecting feedback on Work Group C Draft Recommendations. 

The Work Group C recommendations for science are presented in two formats. The TEKS draft recommendations present the proposed recommendations for each grade with the work group’s rationales. The draft recommendations also list the current TEKS for each grade level and identify whether the content was moved, renumbered, or deleted.

The current version of the draft recommendations differs from a previous version to reflect Work Group C's proposed changes to the introduction approved for high school courses adopted by the SBOE in November 2020. 

 Updated 4/6/2021 (PDF, 739KB)

The Side-by-Side document presents the recommendations for all three grades in a table to demonstrate progression of scientific concepts across grade levels and allows readers to trace the development of scientific concepts in each strand.

(PDF, 102KB)
 

Work Group B: Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, and Physics

Work Group B met in June 2020 to make recommendations for the science TEKS for the following four high school courses: Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Physics and Chemistry, and Physics. The SBOE discussed a draft of the recommendations at the June/July SBOE meeting. Work Group B reconvened in July 2020 to address SBOE feedback and finalize recommendations. Work Group B’s final recommendations are provided below. Click on the item to download the PDF.

Work Group: Scientific and Engineering Practices

The Scientific and Engineering Practices Work Group reconvened in July 2020 to address SBOE guidance and finalize recommendations. The work group's final recommendations are provided below. The document indicates changes from the June 2020 draft.

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Based on recommendations from the content advisors and Work Group A, 7mÊÓƵ convened a work group in June 2020 to develop recommendations regarding scientific and engineering practices and the process skills in the current science TEKS. The work group's recommendations are provided below. Click on the item to download the PDF.

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Work Group A: Planning for Review

Work Group A met in February 2020 to identify key areas and recurring topics from feedback collected related to the TEKS review process, including SBOE guidance to work groups, content advisor consensus recommendations, and the results of the Science TEKS Review Survey (December 2019–January 2020). The work group was charged with developing recommendations for how subsequent science TEKS review work groups could address the feedback received. Work Group A's recommendations are provided below. Click on the item to download the PDF.

(PDF, 224 KB)

Science TEKS Review Work Groups

The SBOE's process called for multiple, separate work groups. Nominations to serve on TEKS review work groups were made throughout the review process. The following list includes individuals appointed by the SBOE to serve on the Science TEKS Review work groups.

SBOE Science TEKS Review Work Groups

Science TEKS Review Work Group Drafts
 

Work Groups

Work group applications were submitted to SBOE members for review throughout the revision process. Based on that review, SBOE members made nominations to work groups. 7mÊÓƵ notified applicants of their nominations at each stage in the review and revision process.

• Work group members were expected to complete an online orientation session prior to their work group meeting. Work group members were asked to complete an initial review prior to their meeting.
• Work groups convened in Austin for a minimum of one face-to-face meeting. Meeting times and dates for the different work groups were shared with the SBOE's members for each work group meeting. Additional meetings conducted by webinar were scheduled as necessary.
• Work group members were asked to provide invited testimony at SBOE meetings.
• Work group members were reimbursed in accordance with state travel guidelines for travel, meals, and lodging for meetings held in Austin.
• Questions related to the application for the science TEKS review and revision process were directed to teks@tea.texas.gov.

The science content advisors provide feedback on the science TEKS to the SBOE and work groups during the TEKS review process. The following list includes individuals appointed by the SBOE to serve as content advisors for the 2019 review and revision of the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Dr. Raymond G. Bohlin     Science Teacher, Richardson

Dr. Raymond G. Bohlin is a graduate of the University of Illinois (B. S., Zoology, 1971–1975), the University of North Texas (M. S., Population genetics, 1977–1980), and the University of Texas at Dallas (M. S., Ph.D., Molecular and cell biology, 1984–1991). He has numerous publications. Dr. Bohlin has served previously as a content advisor for the State Board of Education on the 2009 science standards as well as serving on the 2017 biology streamlining review committee. For the last six years he has been teaching high school biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and physics for the Richardson Home School Association (RHSA).

Focus areas: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology

Gloria Chatelain     Science/STEM Consultant, Colleyville

Ms. Gloria Chatelain is currently a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) consultant for various school districts. She has been in public education for over 40 years, as a classroom teacher, district coordinator, curriculum consultant and staff development trainer for prekindergarten through grade 12.  She has presented workshops at the district, state and national level, served as Texas Science Educators Leadership Association (TSELA) treasurer for five years, and is currently a member of Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) and National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). Ms. Chatelain is passionate about helping teachers with science curriculum, State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) preparedness, and understanding the science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). She has a strong foundation regarding the K–12 TEKS due to her extensive background in writing K–12 science curriculum, training teachers on content and hands-on activities that complement the TEKS.

Focus areas: Prekindergarten through high school science curriculum

Dr. Janice A. Fischer     Professor, Austin

Dr. Janice A. Fischer is a professor of molecular biosciences and director of the biology instructional office at The University of Texas at Austin. She received the 2012 College of Natural Sciences Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Fischer is one of the principal authors of the textbook Genetics From Genes to Genomes. She is one of two higher education officials appointed by Texas Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller to help the State Board of Education revise the science curriculum standards.

Focus areas: cell biology; developmental biology; genes, genetics and genomics; and molecular biology

Dr. Catherine H. Howard     Professor, Texarkana

Dr. Catherine H. Howard is dean of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and distance learning, as well as a professor of chemistry and biology, at Texarkana College. She is an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University Texarkana. Dr. Howard has K–12 experience, having taught science at Hooks High School in the Hooks Independent School District. She served on the 60x30 advisory committee that assisted the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board with the preparation of a new Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual.  She is one of two higher education officials appointed by Texas Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller to help the State Board of Education revise the science curriculum standards.

Focus areas:  biology, chemistry, STEM

Dr. Cynthia Ontiveros     Principal, El Paso

Dr. Cynthia Ontiveros is the principal at the Young Women’s S7mÊÓƵM Research and Preparatory Academy, the first single-gender New Tech Network Academy in the nation and the first single-gender campus in the El Paso Independent School District. She has been an officer in the Texas Science Education Leadership Association. Dr. Ontiveros is the author of Copper Stain: Asarco’s Legacy in El Paso along with researcher Elaine Hampton. The book focuses on the stories of the men and women who worked at the now-closed Asarco smelter plant and the impact they had on El Paso.  She holds three degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso, including a Doctor of Philosophy degree in teaching, learning, and culture.

Focus areas: science education and research

Amy Senato     Science Coordinator, Mansfield

Ms. Amy Senato is in her 26th year as an educator. She has served in leadership positions at both the campus and district levels. She has taught grades 3–12 science, reading, special education, biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). Currently, she serves as the K–6 science coordinator for the Mansfield Independent School District and has been in this position for 10 years. She has had the pleasure of working with K–6 science teachers on curriculum, professional development, lessons and grants.

Focus Areas:  science curriculum and related professional development

Dr. Ron Wetherington     Professor Emeritus, Dallas

Dr. Ron Wetherington is a professor emeritus of anthropology at Southern Methodist University, where he has been on the faculty since 1964. Dr. Wetherington is a widely published author of books and articles. His books include Understanding Human Evolution and Readings in the History of Evolutionary Theory. He served as a science expert for the State Board of Education in 2008–2009 as it rewrote curriculum standards and he has reviewed science books proposed for use in the Texas public schools. He was appointed to a review panel for high school biology textbooks in 2013 and served as a member of the science streamlining team for the high school biology course in 2017.

Focus areas: anthropology, human evolution, science pedagogy

Dr. Dale Woerner     Associate Professor, Lubbock

Dr. Dale Woerner is an associate professor and nationally recognized researcher in Texas Tech University’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Dr. Woerner is an award-winning teacher, has authored or co-authored more than 270 scholarly articles, technical reports or other publications, presented more than 200 guest lectures and presentations and holds a prestigious endowed professorship at Texas Tech. Previously, Dr. Woerner was a member of Colorado State University’s teaching and research faculty.

Focus areas: animal sciences, food science, microbiology, biotechnology, anatomy and physiology, research.

Jane Arden Zimmerman     Science Department Chair, Manvel

Ms. Jane Arden Zimmerman heads the science department at Friendswood High School in the Friendswood Independent School District. She works with science teachers in designing and planning student learning experiences to align with campus curriculum and state standards. Ms. Zimmerman taught biology at Friendswood High School for a number of years and coached the state-recognized Academic Decathlon team.

Focus areas: Biology

Work Group F: Kindergarten–Grade 8 Final Recommendations Review

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Work Group D: Other High School Courses Final Recommendations Review

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Work Group C and E: Kindergarten–Grade 8 Draft Recommendations Review

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Work Group D: Other High School Courses Draft Recommendations Review

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Work Group B and Scientific and Engineering Practices Review

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Consensus Recommendations

The science content advisors convened in January 2020 to discuss their initial feedback and develop consensus recommendations to guide the TEKS review.

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Initial Content Advisor Reviews

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