6/7/06 6/7/06 Texas Education Agency Texas Education Agency C. Comer C. Comer Chris Castillo Comer Director of Science Texas Education Agency Science Education Update HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE UPDATE SCIENCE UPDATE Summer 2006 Summer 2006 Austin, Texas Austin, Texas This presentation is available at www.theTRC.org for your convenience…
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C. Comer 6/7/06 Texas Education Agency Chris Castillo Comer Director of Science Texas Education Agency Science Education Update HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE UPDATE.
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6/7/066/7/06 Texas Education AgencyTexas Education Agency C. ComerC. Comer
Chris Castillo Comer
Director of Science
Texas Education AgencyScience Education Update
HIGH SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE UPDATE SCIENCE UPDATE
Summer 2006Summer 2006Austin, TexasAustin, Texas
This presentation is available at www.theTRC.org for your convenience…
Entering freshmen 2007; Entering freshmen 2007; Graduating class of 2011Graduating class of 2011 The total number of graduation credits required The total number of graduation credits required
under both plans remains at 24.under both plans remains at 24.
TAC Title 19; Part 2; Chapter 74. Curriculum RequirementsSubchapter 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.
(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) Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography (GMO);(ii) Environmental Systems;(iii) Aquatic Science;(iv) Astronomy;(v) Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems;(vi) AP/IB Biology;(vii) Chemistry, AP/IB Chemistry;(viii) Physics, AP/IB Physics; (ix) AP/IB Environmental Science; and(x) Scientific Research and Design.(xi) Engineering
The State of Science in TexasThe State of Science in Texas
85% of all 11th graders passed the 85% of all 11th graders passed the Exit Level Science AssessmentExit Level Science Assessment55% of all Texas seniors graduated with 55% of all Texas seniors graduated with the Recommended High School Plan the Recommended High School PlanLast year 23% of all graduating seniors Last year 23% of all graduating seniors took 4 years of sciencetook 4 years of science
Grade 8 science was tested this spring with a 71% Grade 8 science was tested this spring with a 71% pass rate for all students at 2 SEM’s, and the online pass rate for all students at 2 SEM’s, and the online testing was successful with good result.testing was successful with good result.The percentage of students passing science Texas The percentage of students passing science Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) increased Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) increased this spring at grades 5,10, and Exit Level Grade 11.this spring at grades 5,10, and Exit Level Grade 11.
Emphasis on science at very early agesEmphasis on science at very early ages At-risk students identified earlier and more At-risk students identified earlier and more
programs to support students in credit recoveryprograms to support students in credit recovery More High Schools with dropout recovery More High Schools with dropout recovery
programs specializing in technical programs specializing in technical school/employment trainingschool/employment training
Emphasis on higher expectations and more Emphasis on higher expectations and more science to prepare students for technical trainingscience to prepare students for technical training
Greater high school to college coordinationGreater high school to college coordination
GOVERNOR PERRY ANNOUNCES GOVERNOR PERRY ANNOUNCES T-STEM ACADEMIES!T-STEM ACADEMIES!
$71 Million committed to Texas Science, $71 Million committed to Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (T-Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (T-
STEM) AcademiesSTEM) AcademiesPart of Texas High School Project:Part of Texas High School Project:Will establish 35 small schools Will establish 35 small schools that will offer focused opportunities that will offer focused opportunities in STEM-related curriculumin STEM-related curriculumFunded in part with Gates and Dell Funded in part with Gates and Dell contributionscontributionsCharles A. Dana Center named first of Charles A. Dana Center named first of six centers for Educator Professional six centers for Educator Professional Development in STEMDevelopment in STEM
Executive Order RP53Executive Order RP53Signed by the Governor of Texas Signed by the Governor of Texas
on December 16, 2005-End of on December 16, 2005-End of Course TestsCourse Tests
The development of a series of voluntary end-of-The development of a series of voluntary end-of-course assessments in Science, Mathematics, and course assessments in Science, Mathematics, and other subjects, currently assessed by the 11other subjects, currently assessed by the 11thth grade Texas Assessment of Knowledge and grade Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, to measure student performance;Skills, to measure student performance;
For science this will include For science this will include BiologyBiology, , ChemistryChemistry and and PhysicsPhysics
Biology EOC Biology EOC Field Test DatesField Test Dates
A field-testing window for Biology A field-testing window for Biology end-of-course exam has been added for end-of-course exam has been added for
April 23–May 11, 2007.April 23–May 11, 2007. Note that these mandatory field tests areNote that these mandatory field tests are planned to be administered planned to be administered online onlyonline only during this three-week window to students during this three-week window to students enrolled in Biology courses at the time of enrolled in Biology courses at the time of
July 13, 2006 (Thursday) is the July 13, 2006 (Thursday) is the
Exit Level Science RetestExit Level Science Retest It is important to make arrangements It is important to make arrangements
for all students who failed to meet the for all students who failed to meet the standard on the April 20standard on the April 20thth Science Science TAKS.TAKS.
October 19, 2006 Exit-Level RetestOctober 19, 2006 Exit-Level Retest February 22, 2007 Exit-Level RetestFebruary 22, 2007 Exit-Level Retest April (exact dates TBA) TAKS-Alt April (exact dates TBA) TAKS-Alt Field Test Window Field Test Window April 19, 2007 (Thurs.) Science April 19, 2007 (Thurs.) Science Grades 5,8, 10, 11Grades 5,8, 10, 11 April 23-May 11 Field-test window for April 23-May 11 Field-test window for
TAKS-Modified (TAKS-M)TAKS-Modified (TAKS-M) The federal government has proposed The federal government has proposed
regulations for 2% of the special education regulations for 2% of the special education population that could be eligible to take an population that could be eligible to take an assessment that reduces the complexity of the assessment that reduces the complexity of the grade-level content.grade-level content.
Currently, assessment staff have modified the Currently, assessment staff have modified the TAKS (minus the field test questions) grade 5 TAKS (minus the field test questions) grade 5 science, grade 5 reading, and grade 10 science, grade 5 reading, and grade 10 mathematics tests mathematics tests by reducing the number of by reducing the number of answer choices, reducing complex language answer choices, reducing complex language and vocabulary, etc.and vocabulary, etc.
TAKS-Alt TAKS-Alt • Designed for 1% of studentsDesigned for 1% of students
• Performance-basedPerformance-based
• Administered by Life Skills teacherAdministered by Life Skills teacher
• Teacher records results on lineTeacher records results on line
• Authentic grade-level activities are adapted Authentic grade-level activities are adapted to provide appropriate instruction & to provide appropriate instruction & assessment opportunity for students who assessment opportunity for students who are functioning at Levels 1-3are functioning at Levels 1-3
Where Are We In Where Are We In Development?Development?
TSDS
Now – TSDS interface developedNow – TSDS interface developed Now – TSDS items being writtenNow – TSDS items being written Now – TSDS tests being developedNow – TSDS tests being developed
July – TSDS items reviewedJuly – TSDS items reviewed Aug – TSDS district sign-up launchesAug – TSDS district sign-up launches Sep – TSDS application launched!Sep – TSDS application launched!
How do we improve our How do we improve our science program?science program?
The Teacher is the Key:The Teacher is the Key: ExperienceExperience RetentionRetention
Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development
The role of the Administrator is Vital…Policies The role of the Administrator is Vital…Policies are important:are important:
1. Limit class sizes when possible1. Limit class sizes when possible2.2. Provide needed equipment and resourcesProvide needed equipment and resources3.3. Set High Expectations for staff and studentsSet High Expectations for staff and students
Science: Using the Data for Science: Using the Data for InstructionInstruction
ISSUES QUESTIONSDistrict scope and sequence (TAKS alignment, pacing)
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?
Resources and Laboratory/Field Requirements
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?
Science: Using the Data for Diverse Science: Using the Data for Diverse LearnersLearners
ISSUES QUESTIONS
LEP
Students
Are Limited English Proficient students receiving enough science instruction?
Special Education
Are special education students receiving intervention strategies to ensure learning?
AP Courses Are AP courses aligned to TAKS?
Gifted and Talented Program
Are G/T students receiving differentiated instruction in science?Are G/T programs reflecting the diversity of your student enrollment?
Science
Instruction
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?
Science: Using the Data for District Science: Using the Data for District PlanningPlanning
ISSUES QUESTIONSStaffing and hiring
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?
6/7/066/7/06 Texas Education AgencyTexas Education Agency C. ComerC. Comer
Safety and Facility Resources:
Should be in every school library!
Also available online:Also available online:www.tenet.edu/teks/science/safetywww.tenet.edu/teks/science/safety
Teacher Professional Development through Teacher Professional Development through the Texas Regional Collaboratives:the Texas Regional Collaboratives:
32 Regional Collaboratives
around the state
Teacher Training and Mentoring
Professional Professional Development Development Academies:Academies:Contact Contact Your Your ESC ESC Or Or Visit theVisit theTRC TRC Website:Website:
Teacher Module Training in middle school EARTH SCIENCE, Teacher Module Training in middle school EARTH SCIENCE, BIOLOGY, IPC, and PHYSICSBIOLOGY, IPC, and PHYSICS
ResourcesResourcesResources 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/
ResourcesResources 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