Transcript TEA Update Summer 2006

Texas Education Agency
Science Education Update
HIGH SCHOOL
SCIENCE UPDATE
Summer 2006
Austin, Texas
Chris Castillo Comer
Director of Science
This presentation is available at www.theTRC.org
for your convenience…
6/7/06
Texas Education Agency
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Entering freshmen 2007;
Graduating class of 2011
The total number of graduation credits required
under both plans remains at 24.
TAC Title 19; Part 2; Chapter 74. Curriculum Requirements
Subchapter F. Graduation Requirements, Beginning with School Year
2007-2008
§74.63. Recommended High School Program.
(3) Science--four credits. One credit must be a biology credit
(Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, or
International Baccalaureate (IB) Biology). Students must
choose two credits from subparagraph (A) and one credit
from subparagraph (B) of this paragraph to complete the
science requirement.
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http://info.sos.state.tx.us
Title 19; Part 2; Chapter 74; Sub-Chapter F
(A) A student must select two credits from the
following areas. Not more than one credit
may be chosen from each of the areas to satisfy
this requirement.
(i)Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC);
(ii)Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry;
and
(iii)Physics, Principles of Technology I,
AP Physics, or IB Physics.
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(B)After successful completion of a biology course and two
credits from IPC, a chemistry course, and/or a physics
course, a student may select the fourth required credit
from any of the following courses:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
(xi)
Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography (GMO);
Environmental Systems;
Aquatic Science;
Astronomy;
Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems;
AP/IB Biology;
Chemistry, AP/IB Chemistry;
Physics, AP/IB Physics;
AP/IB Environmental Science; and
Scientific Research and Design.
Engineering
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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The State of Science in Texas
85% of all 11th graders passed the
Exit Level Science Assessment
55% of all Texas seniors graduated with
the Recommended High School Plan
Last year 23% of all graduating seniors
took 4 years of science
Grade 8 science was tested this spring with a 71% pass
rate for all students at 2 SEM’s, and the online testing
was successful with good result.
The percentage of students passing science Texas
Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) increased
this spring at grades 5,10, and Exit Level Grade 11.
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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State Curriculum Trends
 Emphasis on science at very early ages
 At-risk students identified earlier and more
programs to support students in credit recovery
 More High Schools with dropout recovery
programs specializing in technical
school/employment training
 Emphasis on higher expectations and more
science to prepare students for technical training
 Greater high school to college coordination
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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GOVERNOR PERRY ANNOUNCES
T-STEM ACADEMIES!
$71 Million committed to Texas Science, Technology,
Engineering, And Mathematics (T-STEM) Academies
Part of Texas High School Project:
Will establish 35 small schools
that will offer focused opportunities
in STEM-related curriculum
Funded in part with Gates and Dell
contributions
Charles A. Dana Center named first of
six centers for Educator Professional
Development in STEM
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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How We Did Overall
Science
Grade 5
Met
Standard
20042005
64%75%
Commended
Performance
20042005
16%24%
5th Span.
23%31%
5%
Grade 8
71%*
12%*
*first testing at 2 SEM
first testing at 2 SEM
Grade 10
54%60%
4%11%
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Grade
11
Texas Education Agency
71%74%
Science
TAKS
5%9%C.Comer
SCIENCE TAKS HIGH SCHOOL BLUEPRINT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Objectives
Grade 10 Grade 11
17
17
Nature of Science
11
8
Organization of Living Systems
11
8
Interdependence of Organisms and
the Environment
8
11
Structures and Properties of Matter
8
11
Motion, Forces, and Energy
Total Number of Items
55
Met Standard
35/55
35/55
Commended Performance (Raw Score)
50/55
50/55
Field Test Items
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55
10
TOTAL ITEMS:
10
65
C.Comer
The Personal Graduation Plan
By Law, A High School
Personal Graduation Plan Must….

Identify educational goals for student

Include diagnostic information, monitoring & intervention

Include intensive instruction

Provide innovative methods to promote student’s
advancement

Address participation of parent
TEC 28.0212, SB 1108, 2003
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www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/guides/study/
Study Guides
are provided to
students who
do not meet
the standard.
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Executive Order RP53
Signed by the Governor of Texas on
December 16, 2005-End of Course
Tests
 The development of a series of voluntary end-ofcourse assessments in Science, Mathematics, and
other subjects, currently assessed by the 11th
grade Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills,
to measure student performance;
 For science this will include
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
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Biology EOC
Field Test Dates
 A field-testing window for Biology
end-of-course exam has been added for
April 23–May 11, 2007.
Note that these mandatory field tests are
planned to be administered online only
during this three-week window to students
enrolled in Biology courses at the time of
field testing.
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Texas Education Agency
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Secondary Educators
Alert!
 July 13, 2006 (Thursday) is the
Exit Level Science Retest
 It is important to make arrangements
for all students who failed to meet the
standard on the April 20th Science
TAKS.
MARK THE DATE!
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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Science Testing Calendar
2006-07

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October 19, 2006 Exit-Level Retest
February 22, 2007 Exit-Level Retest
April (exact dates TBA) TAKS-Alt
Field Test Window
April 19, 2007 (Thurs.) Science
Grades 5,8, 10, 11
April 23-May 11 Field-test window for
Biology EOC.
 July 12 Exit Level Science Retest
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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TAKS-Modified (TAKS-M)
 The federal government has proposed
regulations for 2% of the special education
population that could be eligible to take an
assessment that reduces the complexity of the
grade-level content.
 Currently, assessment staff have modified the
TAKS (minus the field test questions) grade 5
science, grade 5 reading, and grade 10
mathematics tests by reducing the number of
answer choices, reducing complex language
and vocabulary, etc.
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Texas Education Agency
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TAKS-Alt
• Designed for 1% of students
• Performance-based
• Administered by Life Skills teacher
• Teacher records results on line
• Authentic grade-level activities are adapted
to provide appropriate instruction &
assessment opportunity for students who
are functioning at Levels 1-3
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Texas Education Agency
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Get Ready for TSDS!
TSDS
Welcome to the Texas Mathematics and Science Diagnostic Systems
www.accesstsds.com
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Texas Education Agency
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What is TSDS?
TSDS
 Web-Based Diagnostic Assessment Tool
 Free to All Texas Public & Charter Schools
 Available in September 2006
 Part of the TEA Science Initiative
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Texas Education Agency
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Example of class summary report teachers can create after administering a
diagnostic to students. Report summarizes individual student performance by
Science strand and aggregate class performance
The Texas Science Portal
And Diagnostic has been funded!
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Texas Education Agency
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How Can I Use This
Content?
TSDS
 Student Skills Diagnosis at BOY & EOY
 Finding Knowledge Points of Departure
 Periodic Instructional Benchmarks
 Tests, Quizzes, Homework
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Texas Education Agency
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Where Are We In
Development?
TSDS
 Now – TSDS interface developed
 Now – TSDS items being written
 Now – TSDS tests being developed
 July – TSDS items reviewed
 Aug – TSDS district sign-up launches
 Sep – TSDS application launched!
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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How do we improve our
science program?
 The Teacher is the Key:
 Experience
 Retention
 Professional Development
The role of the Administrator is Vital…Policies
are important:
1. Limit class sizes when possible
2. Provide needed equipment and resources
3. Set High Expectations for staff and students
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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Secondary Student Performance
vs. Teacher Profiles
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
TEACHER PROFILES
%Students
completing
High School
%Students
Passing
TAKS
% Teachers
leaving
<95%
23.6%
20.6%
%Teachers
teaching
outside their
field
31.2%
95-97.99%
33.8%
20.0%
28.6%
98-100%
44.9%
19.3%
27.9%
Source: Completion and TAKS data from TEA; AEIS ’02-’03; Teacher Data
From State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) , AEIS ’02-’03 and ’03-’04
http://www.widow.state.tx.us/specialrpt/teachersalary04/
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Texas Education Agency
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Science: Using the Data for Instruction
ISSUES
District scope and
sequence (TAKS
alignment, pacing)
QUESTIONS
Is there a coherent scope and sequence for all
students K-12? Are teachers following it?
Are TAKS objectives being emphasized K-12?
Vertical/horizontal
articulation and
planning
Are the science TEKS taught to the depth and
complexity required?
Are the sciences integrated to allow for connected
learning of TEKS?
Are science teachers planning across grade levels,
disciplines, and courses?
Benchmark data
How are we using benchmark data?
Is the benchmark process effective?
Are hands-on investigations and outdoor field
experiences a regular part of the curriculum in
science instruction?
Is there adequate funding for materials and
equipment to support hands-on laboratory science?
Resources and
Laboratory/Field
Requirements
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Texas Education Agency
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Science: Using the Data for Diverse
Learners
ISSUES
LEP
Students
Special
Education
AP Courses
Gifted and
Talented
Program
Science
Instruction
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QUESTIONS
Are Limited English Proficient students receiving
enough science instruction?
Are special education students receiving intervention
strategies to ensure learning?
Are AP courses aligned to TAKS?
Are G/T students receiving differentiated instruction in
science?
Are G/T programs reflecting the diversity of your
student enrollment?
Are elementary students receiving K-5 science?
Are middle school students receiving science
instruction that scaffolds TAKS objectives?
Are high school students enrolled in science at the 11th
and 12th grade levels?
Texas Education Agency
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Science: Using the Data for District
Planning
ISSUES
Staffing and
hiring
QUESTIONS
Are all Science teachers highly qualified and
strategically assigned?
Is there adequate science staff to ensure safe student
enrollment numbers?
Staff
development
Is a plan in place to meet staff development needs as
indicated by the data?
Is there a plan to meet staff development needs for
reaching diverse learners in science?
Planning
Do Science faculty participate in goal-setting
committees at campus and district levels?
PDAS
indicators
What does an effective Science unit look like? How is it
represented in PDAS?
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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Safety and Facility
Resources:
Should be in every school
library!
Also available online:
www.tenet.edu/teks/science/safety
6/7/06
Texas Education Agency
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Secondary
Science
Vertical Alignment Chart for
Secondary Science Grade 10 and
Exit Level Grade 11
Has TAKS OBJECTIVES and TEKS
Student Expectations that are
assessed from grades 1-High School
Physics
Gives highlights from TAKS
To Order:
http://www.region4store.com/esc/Shop
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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Teacher Professional Development through
the Texas Regional Collaboratives:
Professional
Development
Academies:
Contact
Your
ESC
Or
Visit the
TRC
Website:
32 Regional
Collaboratives
around the state
www.thetrc.org
Teacher Training
and Mentoring
Grades 6-8 Earth Science; Science Diagnostic Training
Teacher Module Training in middle school EARTH SCIENCE,
BIOLOGY, IPC, and PHYSICS
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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Science List Serve:
Please Join…
Our way of
“shouting out”
to you when
you are busy
And something
Important comes
Up for science
In Texas…
www.tea.state.tx.us/list/
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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“We dedicate this new website—Our Schools,
Our Stars—to the quiet successes our school
community achieves everyday.”
Shirley J. Neeley
E-mail:
[email protected]/comm/stars
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
C.Comer
Who to
Contact:
Texas Education Agency:
Chris Castillo-Comer
Director of Science
512-463-9581
[email protected]
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
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Resources
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TAKS Science Objectives
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taas2/objectives/science.pdf
TAKS SCIENCE revised INFORMATION BOOKLET (Educator Guides)
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taks/booklets/science/g
10.pdf
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taks/booklets/science/g
11e.pdf
TAKS Science Results:
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/reporting/results/swresults/tak
s/index.html
TAKS Released Tests, Online Tests, and item analysis:
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/release/taks/index.
html
TAKS Study Guides:
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/guides/study/
TAKS Scale Score Reports
www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/scoring/convtables/2004/index
.html
Resources on Graduation Requirements for Science:
4/26/06
Texas Education Agency
www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/side1.doc
C.Comer
Resources
Resources from organizations:
 Science Teachers Association of Texas Convention: Wichita Falls, TX;
Nov. 9-11 ‘06
 www.statweb.org
NCLB Teacher Toolkit
• http://www.ed.gov/teachers/nclbguide/nclb-teachers-toolkit.pdf
 NSTA National Science Convention: St. Louis, MO: Mar 29-Ap 1, 2007
 National Association of Biology Teachers
 www.nabt.org
 American Chemical Society
 www.acs.org
 American Association of Physics Teachers
 www.aapt.org
 Texas Earth Science Teachers Association
 http://statweb.org/TESTA/
 National Earth Science Teachers Association
 www.nestanet.org
 Texas Marine Educators Association
 http://statweb.org/TMEA/
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Texas Education Agency
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Resources
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Resources for Certification Requirements and PD Provider Number
www.sbec.state.tx.us
Teacher Toolkit; Safety; Facilities; TEXTEAMS; Charles A. Dana Center
www.utdanacenter.org
Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching
http://theTRC.org
The TEKSLink Project
http://libraries.risd.org/TEKSLink/
Homework Hotline; UT homework service for TAKS AP, and college
placement exams
http://hw.utexas.edu/overview.html
Science Teacher Toolbag
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/tchrtoolbag/ProDev_Sci.html
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/tchrtoolbag/CurRes_Science.html
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Texas Education Agency
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