Proposal Options for Supplemental Science Instructional Materials
September 24, 2010
COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION
SUMMARY: The request for Supplemental Science instructional materials was issued by the State Board of Education (SBOE) in May 2010. Sample materials bid under Supplemental Science are due in the regional education service centers and in the Texas Education Agency in spring 2011. On July 21, 2010, staff presented the Supplemental Science Question and Answer document for approval.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §31.035.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The request for Supplemental Science instructional materials was issued by the State Board of Education (SBOE) in May 2010. The SBOE approved the Question and Answer document on July 21, 2010.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: Adoption of instructional materials in science occurred in November 1999 under Proclamation 1997 and in November 2001 under Proclamation 1999. The SBOE requested that staff responses to publishers’ questions related to interpretation of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) be presented to the SBOE for approval. Subsequently, the SBOE has approved staff responses to publishers’ questions beginning with Proclamation 1998.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: The request for Supplemental Science materials will provide an opportunity for publishers to submit instructional materials that cover the new science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for specific grade levels and science courses.
PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: It is the intent of staff to provide several options related to the request for Supplemental Science instructional materials during the September 2010 SBOE meeting and clarify the Question and Answer document.
COMMISSIONER'S RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that the State Board of Education:
Consider the options for the request for Supplemental Science instructional materials and determine any changes needed to the request, related timelines, and Question and Answer document.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Scott
Commissioner of Education
Staff Members Responsible:
Anita Givens, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs
Norma Torres-Martinez, Deputy Associate Commissioner
Standards and Alignment
John Lopez, Managing Director
Instructional Materials and Educational Technology
Separate Exhibit:
Options for Supplemental Science Instructional Materials
(to be provided at the September SBOE meeting)