Update on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Review
January 22, 2009
COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION
SUMMARY: This item provides the opportunity for staff to present an update on the review of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §§7.102(c)(4), 28.002, and 28.025.
BOARD RESPONSE: This item is presented for review and comment.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted the TEKS for all subjects to be effective September 1, 1998. The mathematics TEKS were amended to be effective August 1, 2006. The English language arts and reading TEKS were amended to be effective September 4, 2008. The Spanish language arts and reading TEKS were amended by the SBOE on September 29, 2008.
FUTURE ACTION EXPECTED: Proposed revisions to 19 TAC Chapter 112, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science, including proposed new TEKS for engineering and earth and space science are presented for first reading and filing authorization as a separate item in this agenda. Approval of proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 111, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Mathematics, Subchapter B, Middle School, and Subchapter C, High School, is presented as a separate item in this agenda. Discussion of proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapters 119 through 125 and 127, TEKS for career and technical education (CTE) courses; Chapter 113, TEKS for social studies; Chapter 118, TEKS for Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits; and Chapter 111, Subchapter C, pertaining to English language arts and reading electives, will be presented at a future meeting.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: In January, February, May, September, October, and December 2008, educator committees were convened to review the science TEKS. In April, May, September, October, and December 2008, educator committees were convened to develop TEKS for new earth and space science and engineering courses. In April, June, August, October 2008, and January 2009, educator committees were also convened to review all CTE TEKS. Applications for social studies TEKS review committees and English language arts and reading electives have been received and committees are expected to begin meeting in February 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT: There will be normal business costs associated with this process for the agency, including staff travel, meeting accommodations, and production and dissemination of documents.
PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Benefits include better alignment of the TEKS and coordination of the standards with the adoption of instructional materials.
PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: None.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Scott
Commissioner of Education
Staff Member Responsible:
Anita Givens, Acting Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs
Attachment:
Statutory Citations