TEPSA.07

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TASSP ConferenceJune 14, 2007 Austin, Texas
Science Update
Presented by Chris Castillo Comer Director of
Science and Irene Pickhardt Assistant Director of
Science Division of Curriculum and Cyndi
Louden Assessment Division
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Science Update
This presentation is available online
at www.theTRC.org

• Discussion Items
• Curriculum Update
• Assessment Update
• SB 1032
• Test development
• TAKS results overview
• Resources
• Contact Info

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Review Process
Science TEKS

• The State Board of Education (SBOE) oversees all
  aspects of the TEKS, including refinements/revisio
  ns
• Spring/Summer 2007
• The Science review process will begin this fall,
  following the same process that occurred with the
  mathematics and ELA/R TEKS
• Science listservs will be sent requesting
  feedback from the field regarding TEKS that may
  need refinement and alignment
• SBOE members nominate educators to serve on work
  group committees

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Science TEKS
Projected Timeline

• September/October 2007
• SBOE work group members will convene in Austin to
  review content of Science TEKS
• Fall 2008
• Recommendations by the work group will be posted
  in an online survey format
• Feedback from the field will be solicited via
  listservs for public input, conference
  presentations, professional organization
  newsletters, education service center
  representatives, etc.

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Proposed SBOE timeline for revision process
Science TEKS

• Fall 2007 workgroups will convene in Austin
• Spring 2008 National content expert review
• Fall 2008 Science TEKS revisions adopted
• 2008 2009 professional development
• 2009 2010 revised TEKS implementation

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HB1 Requirements

• TEC 28.025(b-1)  The State Board of Education by
  rule shall require that
• (1)  the curriculum requirements for the
  recommended and advanced high school programs
  under Subsection (a) include a requirement that
  students successfully complete four courses in
  each subject of the foundation curriculum under
  Section 28.002(a)(1) and

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Old and New RHSP- Science

• Old 3 credits,
• one of which must be Biology (and /or AP/IB)
• two of which are selected from
• IPC
• Chemistry, IB or AP Chemistry
• Physics, AP or IB Physics, or Principles of
  Technology I

• New 4 credits,
• One of which must be Biology (and /or AP/IB
  Biology)
• Three of which are selected from a list of
  options that will include IPC until SY 2012-2013

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DAP- Old and New

• New
• 4 credits of science, which must consist of a
  biology credit (Biology, Advanced Placement (AP)
  Biology, or International Baccalaureate (IB)
  Biology), a chemistry credit (Chemistry, AP
  Chemistry, or IB Chemistry), a physics credit
  (Physics, AP Physics, or IB Physics), and an
  additional approved laboratory-based science
  course . (Note the deletion of Principles of
  Technology here). After successful completion of
  a biology course, a chemistry course, and a
  physics course, a student may select the fourth
  required credit from any of the following
  lab-based courses

• Old
• 3 credits of science. One credit must be a
  biology credit (Biology, Advanced Placement (AP)
  Biology, or International Baccalaureate (IB)
  Biology). Students must choose the remaining two
  credits from the following areas. Not more than
  one credit may be chosen from each of the areas
  to satisfy this requirement. Students on the
  Recommended High School Program are encouraged to
  take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics
  to complete the science requirements.
• Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)
• Chemistry, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry and
• Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics,
  or IB Physics.

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What does the phase-out of IPC mean?

• IPC will no longer satisfy the science
  requirements in the RHSP after School Year
  2011-2012
• Students on the RHSP and DAP could continue to
  take the course for state elective credit
• As of now, it remains an option for students on
  the Minimum Plan
• IPC will no longer satisfy the science
  requirements in the DAP, effective SY 2007-2008
  no phase-out

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New RHSP- Science

• When IPC is phased out, all students must select
• One credit from Biology, AP or IB Biology
• Two credits from
• Chemistry, IB or AP Chemistry
• Physics, AP or IB Physics, or Principles of
  Technology I
• A fourth credit from the following list

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RHSP- Science, 4th yr

• Fourth Year Science Credit Courses
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Astronomy
• Aquatic Science
• Environmental Systems

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RHSP- Science, 4th yr

• Newly named SBOE courses with a prerequisite of
  Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Earth and Space Science which will replace GMO
• Engineering
• The SBOE has directed the TEA to write new TEKS
  for these courses. The TEKS writing process for
  these courses will begin this fall.

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RHSP- Science, 4th yr

• Also fourth year credit courses include
• Advanced Placement Biology
• Advanced Placement Chemistry
• Advanced Placement Physics
• Advanced Placement Environmental Science
• Dual Credit college science courses

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RHSP- Science, 4th yr

• Also, fourth year science credit courses will
  include
• International Baccalaureate Biology
• International Baccalaureate Chemistry
• International Baccalaureate Physics
• International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems
  

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RHSP- Science, 4th yr

• The following health science technology
  education courses
• Scientific Research and Design
• Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems
• Medical Microbiology and Pathophysiology
• The following technology education/industrial
  technology education courses
• Principles of Technology

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Should IPC be taught in Grade 8?

• This is a local decision, however,
• Most experts agree that this may negatively
  impact Grade 8 Science TAKS scores and the earth
  science objective in particular.
•  
• 6-8th grade TEKS include foundational concepts
  presented in various contexts to assure literacy
  of those concepts.
• Thus, compressing the science TEKS into two years
  is not recommended. 

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What sequence for science courses is best?

• That depends on your students, your staff, and
  your facilities.
• What will best suit your students abilities and
  interests?
• What certifications do your teachers possess?
• What does your science department endorse?
• What are the interests and goals of your science
  teachers?
• Are your science facilities adequate to support
  more lab based science?
• What equipment, materials and supplies are needed
  to have a sustainable and rigorous science
  program?

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Policy Implications High School

• Grades 9-12 minimum of 40 of instructional
  time spent on lab and field investigations
• Safety in the Labs should be paramount
• Crowding of students in science is dangerous!
• Science safety training is crucial.
• Plan for more students taking more science.

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The Burning Question Whats the Best Course
Sequence for Science?

• For all graduation plans, students are encouraged
  to take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics by the
  State Board of Education.
• Students who take the Bio, Chem, and Physics
  sequence perform better on SAT and ACT college
  entrance tests according to college entrance
  data.
• Students who take the Bio, Chem, and Physics
  sequence are better prepared for college work.
• Some schools are considering the Physics first
  approach.
• Many schools are considering the conceptual
  approach to teaching of physics and chemistry

Chris Comer
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Conceptual resources

• The state of Texas has adopted textbooks and
  instructional materials for conceptual approaches
  to chemistry and physics and many schools have
  adopted these materials.
• Conceptual Chemistry adopted instructional
  materials1. Chemistry in the Community by
  Bedford, Freeman Worth2. Chemistry Concepts
  and Applications by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill3.
  Chemistry Applied and Descriptive by J.M. LeBel
  Enterprises

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Conceptual resources

• Conceptual Physics adopted instructional
  materials1. Conceptual Physics by Prentice
  Hall2. Physics Systems and Applications by
  J.M. LeBel Enterprises
• Some schools also use3. Cambridge Physics
  Outlet (CPO) ScienceAdopted for Physics.

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Science Update
Science From TEKS To TAKS
Assessment Division 512-463-9536 Cyndi Louden
cyndi.louden_at_tea.state.tx.us
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SB 1031EOC Assessments

• Phase-out high school TAKS replaced with EOC
  assessments in
• Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry
• English I, English II, and English III
• Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• U.S. History, World History, and World Geography
• Freshman class of 2011-2012 is first group to
  have EOC as graduation requirement
• To graduate, students must attain a cumulative
  score 70n
• n number of EOC assessments taken in each
  subject

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SB 1031EOC Assessments

• Students must score at least 60 in order for it
  to count towards their cumulative score
• Students scoring below 60 shall retake the
  assessment each time it is administered
• Students scoring below 70 will receive
  accelerated instruction
• Any other student may retake an EOC assessment
  for any reason.

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SB 1031EOC Assessments

• A students score on an EOC assessment shall be
  worth 15 of the students final grade for that
  course
• A school district is not required to use the
  students score on subsequent administrations to
  determine the students final grade for that
  course
• A student is not required to retake a course as a
  condition of retaking an EOC assessment

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SB 1031General Information

• Allows the agency to release assessment questions
  every third year
• Requires all assessments (grades 3-12) to be
  developed in a manner that allows a measure of
  annual student improvement
• Requires a vertical scale in grades 3-8 for
  mathematics and reading starting with the
  2008-2009 school year
• Prohibits schools from spending more than 10 of
  the instructional year administering
  district-required tests

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SB 1031General Information

• Establishes a committee to review the
  accountability system and make recommendations to
  the legislature
• Requires the agency to conduct a survey and
  prepare a report to determine the ability of
  school districts to administer assessment
  instruments by computer
• Requires assessment instruments, starting in
  2007-2008, to be administered at least two weeks
  later than the date on which they were
  administered in 2006-2007

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2007-2008 Student Assessment Testing Calendar

• Is being revised due to legislative requirements
• Was reviewed by the District Advisory Committee
• Will be posted to our website for public comment
• Will be finalized and posted to our website ASAP

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Test Development Process
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Test Development Process
Items Revised Based on Input
Items Field Tested
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Test Development Process
Items Selected for Test Based on Blueprint
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Committee Participation

• Committee member selection based upon
  demographics
• Recommendation forms available at
  http//www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/deve
  lop/recform.pdf

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TAKS-Inclusive

• Science Grades 5, 8, 10 and Exit Level
• For students working at or near grade level
• No field test items
• Larger font, more white space
• Expanded accommodations
• Same passing standards

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TAKS-Alt

• For the severely cognitively disabled students
• Online checklist of TEKS-based activities

• www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/reporting/r
  esults/item analysis/ index

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All Students 2006 (Percent)
TAKS Items Correct by Objectives
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Grade 8 Science TAKS

• School accountability ratings in 2008
• Covers TEKS from grades 6, 7 and 8
• Formula Chart with Ruler
• Periodic Table
• No calculators

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Demographic Summary
2006 TAKS Grade 8 (Percent Items Correct)
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Demographic Summary
2006 TAKS Grade 10 (Percent Items Correct)
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Demographic Summary
TAKS Grade 11 (Percent Items Correct)
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Assessment

• http//k12testing.tx.ncspearson.com/
• AssessmentResults/

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Physical Science Note

• 8th grade students did much better on Motion,
  Forces, and Energy than Structures and Properties
  of Matter
• Least variation in Asian Scores (7)
• Most variation in White Scores (15)
• Other groups had score variations of 12 or 13,
  including males, females, African Americans and
  Hispanics

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Life Science Note

• In 11th grade all student groups had average
  percent items correct about 10 points higher for
  Interdependence of Organisms and the Environment
  than for Organization of Living Systems

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Preparing for Science TAKS
Recommendations for resources and professional
development to help insure TAKS success
Irene Pickhardt Assistant Director of
Science irene.pickhardt_at_tea.state.tx.us
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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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What is TSDS?
TSDS

• Web-Based Diagnostic Assessment Tool
• Free to All Texas Public Charter Schools
• Part of the TEA Science Initiative

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How Can This Content be used?
TSDS

• Student Skills Diagnosis at Beginning of Year,
• Mid-Year, and End of Year, or any time in between
• Finding Knowledge Points of Departure
• Periodic Instructional Benchmarks
• Tests, Quizzes, Homework

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ASAP Program Funded for 07-09

• 2007-2009 Texas Accelerated Science Achievement
  Program (ASAP), Cycle 2 Grant Application
• The Texas Education Agency is requesting
  applications to provide funding for the
  implementation of scientific, research-based
  programs designed to improve the academic science
  performance of students, including programs
  designed to address the gender gap in
  performance. This program will fund grants
  designed to provide after school and summer
  intervention programs for students through the
  Texas Accelerated Science Achievement Program,
  Cycle 2.
• Eligibility This is a competitive grant program.
  Districts must submit applications on behalf of
  eligible campuses. Campuses will receive
  individual scores based on PEIMS data and will
  then be ranked based on campus score, not overall
  applicant (or district) score.
• Application Deadline June 12, 2007 Total
  Amount 4,030,491.00

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Certifications

• 19 TAC Chapter 230.601(f)
• Assignment of Public School Personnel
• Part I
• Requirements for Assignment of Teachers
  http//info.sos.state.tx.us/fids/19_0230_0601-3.do
  c

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Certifications

• Environmental Systems
• AP Environmental Science
• IB Environmental Systems
• Science Grades 8-12
• Life Science Gr. 8-12
• Science Composite
• Science
• Any science teaching field with 12 hours in
  environmental science and/or ecology.

• GMO
• Science Grades 8-12
• Earth Science
• Science, Composite
• Science
• Aquatic Science
• Science Grades 8-12
• Life Science gr. 8-12
• Earth Science
• Composite Science

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Anatomy and Physiology of Human Systems, Medical
Microbiology, Pathophysiology Certifications
Certifications

• Science gr. 8-12
• Life Science gr. 8-12
• Biology
• Science Composite
• Science
• Vocational Health Occupations
• Vocational Health Occupations/Cooperative
  Training
• Vocational Health Occupations/Pre-Employment Lab
• Vocational Handicapped Health
• Health Science Technology

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Certifications

• Physics, AP Physics, IB Physics
• Science, Gr. 8-12
• Physical Science, Gr. 8-12
• Physics/Mathematics Gr. 8-12
• Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering Gr.
  8-12
• Physics
• Science Composite
• Science

• Chemistry, AP Chemistry, IB Chemistry
• Science, Gr. 8-12
• Chemistry, Gr. 8-12
• Chemistry
• Science, Composite
• Science
• Biology, AP Biology, IB Biology
• Science, Gr. 8-12
• Life Science, 8-12
• Biology
• Science Composite
• Science

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Science Facilities for the 4X4

• What are the Burning Questions on Science
  Facilities?
• What are the basic requirements?
• What facilities are recommended?
• Health and safety considerations
• How do outdoor learning areas fit in?

• Can the Texas High School Allotment be used for
  construction?

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Square Foot Requirements Combination Science
Lab/Classrooms/ Separate Science Labs.
Minimum Sq. Ft Req./up to students 22 (Ele) 24 (Sec) Elementary 900 sq.ft./ 800 sq. ft. Middle 1,200 sq. ft./ 900 sq. ft. H.S. 1,400 sq. ft./ 1000 sq. ft.
of sq. ft. space added per student in excess 41/ 36 50/ 38 58/ 42
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TAKS Information Booklets

• Objectives and TEKS student expectations
• Clarification on TEKS
• Overview of the subject area
• Reasons why each objective and TEKS student
  expectation are critical to student success
• Sample items showing how objectives might be
  assessed
• All teachers should have a copy

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Available online!

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

www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/g
uides/study/
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Resources Needed In Each School
Also available online www.tenet.edu/teks/science/
safety
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Secondary Science

• Vertical Alignment Chart for High School Science
• Has TAKS OBJECTIVES and
• TEKS Student Expectations
• Gives highlights from TAKS

To Order http//www.region4store.com/esc/Shop
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Professional Development
University of Texas Charles A. Dana Center
Austin, Texas

• Science TEKS ToolkitIdeas for teaching TEKS
• www.sciencetekstoolkit.org
• Texas Safety Standards Training and Manual
• Science Facilities Standards Training and
  Manual
• TEXTEAMS Content Professional Development
• TEKS Strands, TAKS and Formula Charts
• Elementary Assessments Training
• www.utdanacenter.org

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Professional Development
http//ci06.edb.utexas.edu/trc/presentationlibrary
.html
The TRC Presentation LibraryThe Texas Regional
Collaboratives for Excellence in Science Teaching
is pleased to host the following presentations
for our science and mathematics education
communities. The library contains presentations
by TEA leadership.
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Strategies for English Language Learners in
Science
Professional Development provided for all
ESCs For more information, contact, Haidee
Williams at hwilliam_at_sedl.org
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State Science Conference
Professional Development for Teachers Sessions
for Administrators Register at www.statweb.org
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Science List Serve
www.tea.state.tx.us/list/
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Who To Contact
Division of Curriculum 512-463-9581

• Irene Pickhardt
• Assistant Director
• irene.pickhardt_at_tea.state.tx.us

• Chris Castillo-Comer
• Director of Science
• chris.comer_at_tea.state.tx.us

Assessment Division 512-463-9536 Cyndi
Louden cyndi.louden_at_tea.state.tx.us