1. Understanding the TEKS Assignment 1
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
Spring 2011

2. Objective Examine the TEKS Align expectations
Analyze the new TAKS standards

3. Think back when you were in school….
What do you remember about standardized testing during your school years.

4. TEKS
What are they?
T E K S

5. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
They are your BLUEPRINTS for what you teach in the state of Texas.

6. Why were TEKS developed?
Provide teachers with instructional goals at every grade level
Maintain consistency in schools throughout the state
Prepare students for the more rigorous standards of the TAKS
Promote HOTS
(Higher Order Thinking Skills)

7. (Texas Education Agency)
How did they originate?
Essential Elements (EEs)
TEKS
Teachers
Administrators
Community Leaders
Business Partners
Parents
Students
TEA
(Texas Education Agency)

8. How are the TEKS formatted?
Introduction
Strands
-Knowledge and Skills

9. Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge:
The overriding concepts within each strand that the student is to leave your room knowing by the end of the year.

10. Knowledge and Skills
Knowledges and Skills spiral and expand throughout the grades.
Students MUST master each grade level knowledge and skill to be able to be ready for the next year’s TEKS.

11. Knowledge and Skills
Skills:
What the student is expected to do to demonstrate that she/he has mastered the knowledge.

12. Knowledge and Skills
Numbering System
6.3A
Grade level Knowledge Skill

13. TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
TEKS
TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
The required student expectations for each grade and subject area.
Information increases from grade to grade.
Curriculum begins from kindergarten through high school.

14. Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
What is TAKS?

15. TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC SKILLS
TAKS
TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC SKILLS
Has been developed to reflect good instructional practice and more accurately measure student learning.
Test objectives are “umbrella statements” serving as headings under which student expectations from the TEKS are be meaningfully grouped.

16. TAKS™ As mandated by the 76th Texas Legislature in 1999, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS™) was administered beginning in the school year. The TAKS™ measures the statewide curriculum.
Reading at Grades 3-9; in writing at Grades 4 and 7; in English Language Arts at Grades 10 and 11.
Mathematics at Grades 3-11.
Science at Grades 5,10, and 11.
Social Studies at Grades 8, 10, and 11.
The Spanish TAKS™ is administered at Grades 3 through 6.
Satisfactory performance on the TAKS™ at Grade 11 is prerequisite to a high school diploma.

17. TAKS – State Assessment
Grades 3 – 11
Core Areas
Graduation Criteria
Promotion Criteria
5th 2005
8th 2008

18. So let’s take a look at the TEKS.

19. Knowledge and Skills Statement
Example from Grade 8 Social Studies, Objective 4
(8.23) Citizenship. The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. The student is expected to
(B) describe the contributions of significant political, social, [and military] leaders of the United States such as Fredrick Douglass, [John Paul Jones,] James Monroe, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Note: This broad statement describes what students should know and be able to do . The number preceding the statement identifies the number of the knowledge and skills statement. It is important to read the knowledge and skills statement along with the student expectations associated with it for a full understanding of the concept.

20. Student Expectation Example from Grade 8 Social Studies, Objective 4
(8.23) Citizenship. The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. The student is expected to
(B) describe the contributions of significant political, social, [and military] leaders of the United States such as Fredrick Douglass, [John Paul Jones,] James Monroe, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Note: This specific statement describes what students should be able to do to demonstrate proficiency in what is described in the knowledge and skills statement. Students will be tested on skills outlined in the student expectation statement.

21. [bracketed text]
Example from Grade 8 Social Studies, Objective 4
(8.23) Citizenship. The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. The student is expected to
(B) describe the contributions of significant political, social, [and military] leaders of the United States such as Fredrick Douglass, [John Paul Jones,] James Monroe, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Note: The student expectation has been presented in its entirety for two reasons: to clarify the link to the curriculum and to provide background information for test items. However, bracketed text will not be specifically tested on the TAKS.

22. [bracketed text]
Assignment: using a pen/pencil at each bracketed item [below or under] write “link”.
(B) describe the contributions of significant political, social, [and military] leaders of the United States such as Fredrick link Douglass, [John Paul Jones,] James Monroe, and link Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Note: The student expectation has been presented in its entirety for two reasons: to clarify the link to the curriculum and to provide background information for test items. However, bracketed text will not be specifically tested on the TAKS.

23. TEKS Student Expectations Important Vocabulary “such as” and “including”
2 terms are used to help make the TEKS student expectations more concrete for teachers.

24. “Such as”
Used when specific examples that follow it function only as representative illustrations that help define the expectation for teachers.
They are just that….examples.
May use them when teaching the student expectation, but there is no requirement to use them.

25. Example: “such as…”
8.23(B) describe the contributions of significant political, social, [and military] leaders of the United States such as Fredrick Douglass, [John Paul Jones,] James Monroe, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Teachers can choose to teach about various political and social leaders in the U.S.
Student expectation lists examples of individuals to provide educators an idea of the type of leaders who may be included on the assessment.
Remember to note [bracketed material will not be tested on TAKS.]

26. “Including” Remember…must teach items!
The term is used when the specific examples that follow it must be taught. However, other examples may also be used in conjunction with those listed.
Remember…must teach items!

27. Example of: “including…”
8.18 (B) describe historical conflicts arising over the issue of states’ rights, including the Nullification Crisis and the Civil War.
May focus on conflicts arising over the issue of states’ rights.
Must teach Nullification Crisis and the Civil War.
Does not imply these are the only conflicts over the issue of states’ rights that should be taught and assessed.

28. It is likely that other examples may be used in assessment items.
Points to Remember
It is likely that other examples may be used in assessment items.
Examples following the term including do not represent all the examples possible, so other examples may also provide the basis for an assessment item.
General rule - example be used only if it is central to the knowledge, concept, or skill the item assesses.

29. Internet Resource for TEKS & TAKS

30. Let’s begin looking at the Content
ELA
Social Studies
Math
Science

31. ELA TEKS
Fall 2007

32. How do they affect me?
Language Arts comprises 31% of the TExES certification exam
PDAS evaluations
Student/teacher accountability on TAKS

33. Knowledge and Skills Strands of the Language Arts: Reading Writing
Listening/Speaking
Viewing/Representing

34. Reading Grades 3-8 Objective 1 Basic understanding of texts
Objective 2 Knowledge of literary elements
Objective 3 Use of strategies to analyze texts
Objective 4 Application of critical thinking skills to analyze texts

35. Objective 1
Word Identification/vocabulary (e.g., structural cues, syntax, context, synonyms, antonyms, multi-meaning)
Vocabulary (e.g., context, figurative language, multi-meaning, derivatives)
Read from a variety of genres
Main idea or retell important events in stories
Details
Summary

36. Objective 2 Items may include: Characterization Setting
Story problem or plot
Problem resolution (Grades 4 & 5)
Students will not be asked questions about the point of view from which the story is written because this TEKS does not appear until Grade 6

37. Objective 3 Grades 4 and 5
Text structure (cause effect, chronology)
Similarities and differences across texts (paired selections only)
Text representations/graphic organizers
Internal consistency or logic
Author’s purpose
Story variants (paired selections only)
Author’s point of view

38. Objective 4 Inferences Fact and opinion
Support response with text evidence
Connect, compare, and contrast ideas, themes, or issues across text (single or paired selections)
Organizational patterns

39. Tackling the TEKS TEKS 4.19A
4.19 Writing/Writing Processes. The student selects and uses writing processes for self-initiated and assigned writing. The student is expected to:
(A) generate ideas and plans for writing by using such prewriting strategies as brainstorming, graphic organizers, notes, and logs

40. 4th Grade Introduction to TEKS
Critical listening, analyze speaker’s intent
Adapt spoken language
Read about a variety of topics and paraphrase text
Follow different text structures
Knowledge of literary elements
Forms for writing using style and voice
Spell and use proper sentence structure
Use visual media

41. Writing/Writing Processes
What should the teacher know before beginning to teach this TEK?
Knowledge of writing process.
Familiarity with the stages in the process.
3. Purposes for the stages.

42. Writing/Writing Processes
What must a student be able to do to demonstrate mastery of knowledge 4.19?
Create ideas for beginning a writing task.
Draft ideas, revise and edit drafts
Use technology
Publish and proofread drafts
Use reference materials for the writing process
Writing TAKS at Grade 4 & 7

43. Writing What are some of the other parts of the writing strand?
Purposes
Penmanship, capitalization, punctuation
Grammar, usage
Spelling
Evaluation
Inquiry/research
Connections

44. Why ELA TEKS? Reminders: 31% of your content test
Meeting student needs and state expectations
Teacher accountability for student performance
All teachers are reading teachers!

45. Social Studies TEKS
Fall 2007

46. Social Studies Objectives for Grades 8, 10, and 11 Exit Level
Objective 1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of issues and events in U. S. History.
Objective 2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of geographic influences on historical issues and events.
Objective 3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of economic and social influences on historical issues and events.
Objective 4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of political influences of historical issues and events.
Objective 5: The student will use critical-thinking skills to analyze social studies information.

47. Eight Stems of the Social Studies TEKS
History
Geography
Economics
Culture
Government
Social Studies Skills
Citizenship
Science, Technology/Society

48. Social Studies TEKS introduced at Kindergarten.
TEKS are built upon each year.
Some years more in depth study.
Let’s take a look.

49. Grade 4 - Social Studies Overview
History of Texas from the early beginnings to the present with the context of the influences of the Western Hemisphere.
Texas Revolution, establishment of the Republic of Texas, annexation to the U.S.
Important issues, events and individuals of the 19th & 20th centuries.

50. Grade 5 - Social Studies Overview
History of the United States from its early beginnings to the present with a focus on colonial times through the 20th century.
Recite & explain the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Leaders in national government.
Bill of Rights
Customs & celebrations of racial, ethnic & religious groups.
Contributions of inventors & scientist.

51. Grade 6 - Social Studies Overview
Study people and places of the contemporary world.
Europe, Russia, and the Eurasian republics, North America, Middle America, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Aria, Australia, and the Pacific Realm.
Societies, governments, education & religious institutions.
Students will take World Geography in the 9th Grade.

52. Grade 7 - Social Studies Overview
History of Texas from early times to the present.
More in depth than what was presented in Grade 4.
Native American cultures, European exploration, eras of mission-building, colonization, revolution, republic and statehood, influence of U.S. Constitution to Texas Constitution, change from agrarian to urban society, municipal, county and state governments, scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Use of primary and secondary resources.
Texas History introduced at primary grades & 4th Grade

53. Grade 8 - Social Studies Overview
History of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction.
This section is the first part of a two-year study of U.S. history. Second part is Reconstruction to the present.
Builds upon content presented on Grade 5, but provides more depth.
Students introduced to U.S. History at primary grades & 5th Grade.
Social Studies TAKS test at Grade 8, 10, and 11.

54. It is likely that other examples may be used in assessment items.
Points to Remember
It is likely that other examples may be used in assessment items.
Examples following the term including do not represent all the examples possible, so other examples may also provide the basis for an assessment item.
General rule - example be used only if it is central to the knowledge, concept, or skill the item assesses.

55. Welcome to Mathematics TEKS
Fall 2007

56. Did you know the Math TEKS?
Align to the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Standards

57. Six Strands of K-8 Mathematics
Knowledge and Skills
Six Strands of K-8 Mathematics
Number, Operation and Quantitative Reasoning
Patterns, Relationships and Algebraic Thinking
Geometry and Spatial Reasoning
Measurement
Probability and Statistics
Underlying Processes and Mathematical Tools

58. Introduction to 5th Grade
What are the primary focal points at Grade 5?
Volume of geometric shapes and solids;
Representing and interpreting data in graphs, charts and tables;
Applying whole number operation in a variety of contexts.

59. How are grades 3-5 vertically aligned?
Students are building basic foundation of the strands.
Algorithms are generalizations connected to concrete experiences.
Fractions and decimals are concretely developed.

60. How are grades 3-5 vertically aligned?
Students use appropriate language and organizational structures to represent and communicate about relationships.
Students select and use formal mathematical language to describe their reasoning.
Numbers, standard units and measurement tools are used to solve application problems.

61. How are grades 3-5 vertically aligned?
Students organize, display appropriately and interpret data to make decisions and predictions and solve problems.
Higher order thinking skills are necessary to show mastery of the TEKS.

62. What are the problem solving and communication connections in Grades 3-5?
Connect within and outside of mathematics
Use formal and informal reasoning
Use the underlying processes, technology and other mathematical tools to develop conceptual understanding and solve problems.

63. The Verbs in 5th Grade Mathematics
NCTM and Texas vision of mathematics is DOING mathematics, not listening
to some teacher lecture!!!!

64. Vertical Alignments
It is very important that you know where your students have been and where they are going in the curriculum.

65. Vertical Alignments 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
4.6 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking.
The student uses patterns in multiplication and division
5.6 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking.
The student makes generalizations based on observed patterns and relationships
6.3 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking.
The student solves problems based on proportional relationships.
7.3 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking.
8.3 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking.
The student identifies proportional relationships in problem situations and solves problems.

66. TAKS
All of the TEKS for the grade level are “fair game” for TAKS except those which are “performance” oriented; for example, verbs such as model, build, demonstrate…

67. TAKS The TAKS Test can test previous grade level TEKS.
TAKS Math Grades 3-11

68. Science TEKS
Fall 2007

69. The Need for Science
Science is one of the weakest areas in elementary, middle and high school!
Science makes up 23% of your TExES exam (scenarios and content questions).
It has become a huge area in the elementary school setting as well.
Lowest scores in the state belong to science!

70. How does this get taught?
Science in the classroom is based on converting concepts into concrete models, pictures, or examples.
Direct lecture is not the way to go!

71. Hands On
Lessons should be made hands on, over 30% of the population you service learns in the tactile kinesthetic manner and needs this type of teaching style.
Always start from the tactile and work your way back to the visuals and auditory learners.
Make the abstract-----concrete!!!!

72. Things to remember when teaching science
Be careful not to make artificial connections.
Be careful not to teach concepts too fast.
Be careful about teaching too much content at one time.
Be careful about teaching concepts in the wrong order

73. Science Within the Four Areas
Nature of Science
Earth Science
Life Science
Physical Science
These are the areas you are responsible for on your test!!!

74. Strands in Science Nature of Science Constancy & Change
Properties, Patterns, and Models
Systems

75. TEKS Travels through Curriculum
One strand will travel from kinder through twelfth grade, the only difference is the amount of information or detail that goes into at each level.

76. Science Concepts through 8th Grade
Kindergarten
The student knows that systems have parts and are composed of organisms and objects
1st Grade
The student knows that systems have parts and are composed of organisms and objects
2nd Grade
The student knows that systems have parts and are composed of organisms and objects

77. Science Concepts through 8th Grade
3rd Grade
The student knows that systems exist in the world
4th Grade
The student knows that complex systems may not work if some parts are removed
5th Grade
The student knows that a system is a collection of cycles, structure and process that interact

78. Science Concepts through 8th Grade
The student knows that systems combine with other systems to form larger systems.
7th Grade
The student knows that an equilibrium of a system may change
8th Grade
The student knows that cycles exist in Earth systems and that interdependence occurs among living systems

79. Nature of Science Lab Safety Laboratory Equipment
The dos and don’ts of lab safety
Laboratory Equipment
Beakers, flasks, tubes, burners, goggles, aprons, etc.
Laboratory Equipment to make measurements
Rulers, scales, graduated containers, spring scales, and other equipment.
Scientific Process
Steps of the process
How to interpret data
Success vs. failure
How to use the process effectively
Accuracy vs. precision
Drawing logical conclusions

80. Physical Science Force and motion and their relationships.
Physical properties and changes in matter.
Chemical properties and changes in matter.
Energy interactions between matter and energy.
Energy transformations and the conservation of matter and energy.

81. Life Science Structure and function of living things.
Reproduction and the mechanisms of heredity.
Adaptations of organisms and the theory of evolution.
Regulatory mechanisms and behavior.
Relationships between organisms and the environment.

82. Earth Science Structure and function of earth systems.
Understand cycles in earth systems.
Understand the role of energy in weather and climate.
Understand the characteristics of the solar system and universe.
Understand the history of earth systems (origins).

83. TEKS – TAKS Competencies - TExES
The student TEKS look a lot like your competencies, the areas that structure your expectations, for your exam
If you have a good understanding of the TEKS in Science for grades 4-8, then you will have a good idea of what content you are responsible for when it comes time to take your TExES exam
TEKS---TAKS
Competencies----TExES

84. Don’t forget the Scientific Process?
One of the weakest concepts in Science is the scientific process from K to 12!
TAKS assessments are comprised of 1/3 of the questions coming from the Nature of Science.
Your TExES exam also will have several questions about the process:
Know the process!
Know how to use it!
Know how it would look like in the classroom!

85. Scientific Process Problem Hypothesis Research* Materials Procedures
Data
Conclusions

86. Remember your TEKS set up the blueprint to your lesson planning.

87. Welcome to the World of Education!!
Contributors for this Presentation
Joni Vara
Courtney Ellis
Rick Jenkins
Jesse Garcia
Michele Salinas