Science/STEM Updates from Texas Education Agency

  • New STEM Certifications Announced by TEA for SY 2022

    August 18, 2022

    Changes in IBC List for Public School Accountability

    On August 18, TEA made available the new list for Career and Technical Education program pathway industry-based certifications, recognized by the State of Texas for school accountability. Of particular interest for STEM pathways, Autodesk Inventor certifications have been added, replacing Solidworks in mechanical modeling. In addition, Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE) is available as well as Engineering Technology Foundations and Engineering Technician through NOCTI. Click here to see the full list.

  • The 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) nomination window is now open 

    August 3, 2022

    The 2022-2023 nomination and application windows for grades 7 - 12 teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are now open. The award program is open to teachers of —  

    • mathematics,   
    • science,    
    • engineering (science),  
    • computer science (math)   
    • technology applications (science), and  
    • other math or science-related career and technical education courses.   

    Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Since 1983, more than 4,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.   

    Presidential awardees receive a certificate signed by the president of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout the nation.  

    Teachers can be nominated or sign-up NOW at www.paemst.org. If you know great teachers, encourage them to join this prestigious network of professionals. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by February 6, 2022, will receive 25 CPE hours.  

    For questions, contact tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov or 512-463-9581.  

  • TEA Now Recruiting Proclamation 2024 State Review Panel (SRP) Members

    August 3, 2022

    The Texas Education Agency (TEA) needs volunteers to review materials under Proclamation 2024. Teachers, administrators, parents, business community members, and others with appropriate content knowledge are welcome. Please consider joining or nominating someone else to join the SRP by submitting a Proclamation 20224 SRP Application.

     

  • Instructional Materials Update

    August 1, 2022

    Submit comments on the Texas Resource Review K–8 and high school science quality rubrics.

    The Texas Resource Review (TRR) provides Texas educators with free access to comprehensive and user-friendly information about the quality of instructional materials.  As a part of this process, the agency will ensure the definition of quality is transparently communicated via Texas Resource Review rubrics that will be used to assess instructional materials.  We are seeking your feedback!

    Submit feedback by August 26th on the K–8 and high school science rubrics by filling out the Public Comment Submission Form.

    As we collect and review submitted feedback, we will track all changes on a memo of changes and post it to the Texas Resource Review webpage and will release a second draft of the rubric that incorporates those changes. We hope to have the final rubric posted by mid-September. Products will be reviewed using the science rubric in spring 2023 and reports will be available in fall 2023.

     Visit the Texas Resource Review webpage for more information or submit a help desk ticket if you have questions related to the TRR.

    Sign up today to attend a focus group for the Texas Resource Review K–8 and high school science quality rubrics.

    We are inviting you to participate in a focus group to learn more about the K–8 and high school science rubrics and provide feedback!

    We are hosting several virtual sessions for specific stakeholders. If you are interested in participating a focus group session, please complete the interest survey. (Note: Publishers may register using the link below.) TEA will review the qualifications of those who complete the interest survey and provide registration information to those with relevant experience.

      Science Educators, Leaders, and Content Experts

    • Tuesday, August 10, 2022, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
    • Wednesday, August 12, 2022, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
    • Monday, August 15, 2022, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

     Publishers:

    Instructional Materials and EMAT Support

    The Instructional Materials Review and Procurement Unit is being reorganized, and the existing Instructional Materials mailbox (Instructional.Materials@tea.texas.gov) will be retired on 09/01/2022. Please be sure to submit all instructional materials-related inquiries and requests for EMAT support to the Instructional Materials Help Desk.

    We are now recruiting Proclamation 2024 State Review Panel (SRP) Members.

    The Texas Education Agency (TEA) needs volunteers to review materials under Proclamation 2024 (science, technology applications, several career and technical education courses, and Personal Financial Literacy and Economics). Teachers, administrators, parents, business community members, and others with appropriate content knowledge are welcome. Please consider joining us—or nominating someone else to join us for the Proclamation 2024 state review panel (SRP) by submitting a Proclamation 2024 SRP Application