C. Comer 6/7/06 Texas Education Agency Chris Castillo Comer Director of Science Texas Education Agency Science Education Update HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE UPDATE

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…

4/26/064/26/06 Texas Education AgencyTexas Education Agency C.ComerC.Comer

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.


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.

http://info.sos.state.tx.us http://info.sos.state.tx.us


(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.


State Curriculum TrendsState Curriculum Trends

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


How We Did OverallHow We Did Overall

ScienceScience

ScienceScience

TAKSTAKS

Met Met

StandardStandard

20042005

CommendedCommended

PerformancePerformance

20042005

Grade 5 64%75% 16%24%

5th Span. 23%31% 5%

Grade 8 71%**first testing at 2 SEM

12%*first testing at 2 SEM

Grade 10 54%60% 4%11%

Grade 11 71%74% 5%9%


SCIENCE TAKS HIGH SCHOOL BLUEPRINTSCIENCE TAKS HIGH SCHOOL BLUEPRINT

Objectives

1. Nature of Science

2. Organization of Living Systems

3. Interdependence of Organisms and the Environment

4. Structures and Properties of Matter

5. Motion, Forces, and Energy

Grade 10 Grade 11 17 17 11 8 11 8

8 11

8 11

Total Number of Items 55 55

Met Standard 35/55 35/55

Commended Performance (Raw Score) 50/55 50/55

Field Test Items 10 10

TOTAL ITEMS: 65


The Personal Graduation PlanThe Personal Graduation Plan

Identify educational goals for studentIdentify educational goals for student

Include diagnostic information, monitoring & interventionInclude diagnostic information, monitoring & intervention

Include intensive instructionInclude intensive instruction

Provide innovative methods to promote student’s Provide innovative methods to promote student’s advancement advancement

Address participation of parentAddress participation of parent

By Law, A High School Personal Graduation Plan Must….

TEC 28.0212, SB 1108, 2003


Study Guides are provided to students who do not meet the standard.

www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/guides/study/


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

field testing.field testing.


Secondary Educators Secondary Educators Alert!Alert!

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.

MARK THE DATE!MARK THE DATE!


Science Testing CalendarScience Testing Calendar2006-072006-07

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

Biology EOC. Biology EOC. July 12 Exit Level Science RetestJuly 12 Exit Level Science Retest


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


Get Ready for TSDS!Get Ready for TSDS! TSDS

Welcome to the Texas Mathematics and Science Diagnostic Systems

www.accesstsds.com


What is TSDS?What is TSDS? TSDS

Web-Based Diagnostic Assessment ToolWeb-Based Diagnostic Assessment Tool

Free to All Texas Public & Charter SchoolsFree to All Texas Public & Charter Schools

Available in September 2006Available in September 2006

Part of the TEA Science Initiative Part of the TEA Science Initiative


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 PortalAnd Diagnostic has been funded!


How Can I Use This Content?How Can I Use This Content? TSDS

Student Skills Diagnosis at BOY & EOYStudent Skills Diagnosis at BOY & EOY

Finding Knowledge Points of DepartureFinding Knowledge Points of Departure

Periodic Instructional BenchmarksPeriodic Instructional Benchmarks

Tests, Quizzes, HomeworkTests, Quizzes, Homework


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


Secondary Student Secondary Student Performance vs. Teacher Performance vs. Teacher

ProfilesProfiles%Students completing High School

%Students Passing

TAKS

% Teachers leaving

%Teachers teaching

outside their field

<95% 23.6% 20.6% 31.2%

95-97.99% 33.8% 20.0% 28.6%

98-100% 44.9% 19.3% 27.9%

STUDENT PERFORMANCE TEACHER PROFILES

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/


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


Secondary Secondary ScienceScience

To Order:http://www.region4store.com/esc/Shop

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


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:

Grades 6-8 Earth Science; Science Diagnostic TrainingGrades 6-8 Earth Science; Science Diagnostic Training

Teacher Module Training in middle school EARTH SCIENCE, Teacher Module Training in middle school EARTH SCIENCE, BIOLOGY, IPC, and PHYSICSBIOLOGY, IPC, and PHYSICS

www.thetrc.org www.thetrc.org


www.tea.state.tx.us/list/

Science List Serve:Science List Serve:Please Join…Please Join…

Our way of “shouting out” to you when you are busyAnd somethingImportant comesUp for scienceIn Texas…


“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


Who to Who to Contact:Contact:

Texas Education Agency:Chris Castillo-ComerDirector of Science

512-463-9581

[email protected]


ResourcesResources 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/

g10.pdf http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taks/booklets/science/

g11e.pdf TAKS Science Results: www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/reporting/results/swresults/

taks/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: www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/side1.doc


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

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

Documents

C. Comer 6/7/06 Texas Education Agency Chris Castillo Comer Director of Science Texas Education Agency Science Education Update HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE UPDATE