STATFlash

1/14/2010

Senate Interim Charges Released

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has released the list of interim charges that Texas Senate committees will study before the Legislature reconvenes in January 2011. View the full list of charges here. The following summary of charges are expected to be the most relevant to STAT:

Education

2. Review the state’s education policy and initiatives regarding middle grades. Make recommendations to ensure a comprehensive state strategy for preparing students at the middle grades for high school retention and success. This review should include an examination of school-based strategies and best practices that encourage at-risk youth to finish school and that deter delinquency, drug abuse and violence.

3. Review teacher compensation, evaluations, professional development, certification and training programs. Specifically, review the following:

• Teacher compensation including the Minimum Salary Schedule. Incentive pay, merit pay, and stipends;
• How teacher evaluations can be effective mechanisms for increasing student achievement and improving instructional practices by including multiple measures, particularly student achievement data based on growth. Evaluate how teacher evaluations can direct district decisions on providing professional development, mentoring, intervention, and possible dismissal in response to underperforming teachers;
• State sponsored professional development initiatives including the alignment of professional development with curriculum and real work experiences and the value of professional development for bilingual, ESL and special education teachers in increasing student achievement.
• Need to adopt statewide standards for teacher certification and in-service training programs for regular and special education teachers at both the pre-service and in-service levels to ensure all teachers are highly qualified to teach students with disabilities.

7. Review dual credit courses including the cost of delivery, funding mechanisms, and possibility of a statewide dual credit system. This review should also include an examination of the rigor, quality and consistency of dual credit courses. (Joint charge with Senate Higher Education Committee)

8. Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education, 81st Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to  improve, enhance, and/or complete implementation. Review the implementation of legislation related to the state’s accountability system including the revised dropout rate calculation, textbooks, and the virtual school network. Specifically, monitor the following:

• HB 3, relating to public school accountability;
• HB 2488, relating to open-source textbooks, and HB 4294, relating to textbooks and the use of technology;
• HB 3646, relating to public school finance and programs; and
• SB 174, relating to an accountability system fir educator preparation programs.

Finance

1. Review and make recommendations regarding existing and future public debt at all levels of government in Texas, including independent school districts, cities, other local governments and the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan.

Higher Education

6. Review the structure and operation of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Evaluate the board’s data collection systems, including costs to higher education institutions, and make recommendations for improvements. Include an assessment of higher education reporting requirements and make recommendations to eliminate duplicate requirements and streamline reporting.

8. Review dual credit courses including the cost of delivery, funding mechanisms, and possibility of a statewide dual credit system. This review should also include an examination of the rigor, quality and consistency of dual credit courses. (Joint charge with Senate Higher Education Committee)

1/7/2010

Texas Teachers Receive Top Honors at White House

Congratulations to teachers Candy Ellard and Barbara Kelley on being recognized yesterday at the White House for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching!

Ellard and Kelley were among just 100 outstanding educators honored in the special presentation by President Obama. The awards are the Nation’s highest honors recognizing outstanding K-12 teachers for their contributions in the classroom and beyond.

A teacher at Pillow Elementary School in Austin, Ellard was named Pillow’s 2008 Teacher of the Year.  She is known for her tireless dedication, her extraordinary teacher mentoring skills, and her celebrated field trip outings to reward and inspire her students.  Kelley teaches at Cannon Elementary in Grapevine, and has also been named her school’s Teacher of the Year.  She is celebrated for her ability to lead not only her students, but also her fellow teachers; she excels as a teacher who builds a trust-based relationship with her students, encouraging them to think for themselves and celebrate their unique talents.

On behalf of all of us at the Science Teachers Association of Texas, our staff and members, we extend our sincere congratulations to Candy and Barbara and thank you for being an inspiration to us all.

12/1/2009

House Interim Charges Released

On November 20th, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus released his charges for the House Interim Committees. In a cover letter to members of the Texas House, Straus said, “…these charges and the recommendations you develop will form the basis for major legislation we will consider next session,” View the full list of charges here. The following summary of charges are expected to be the most relevant to STAT:

Committee on Appropriations

1. Monitor the performance of state agencies and institutions, including operating budgets, plans to carry out legislative initiatives, caseload projections, performance measure attainment, implementation of all rider provisions, and any other matter affecting the fiscal condition of the agencies and the state.

7. Examine the Texas Education Agency's programs and services, including the Student Success Initiative, and evaluate their impact on achieving the stated agency and statewide goals.

House Committee on Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services

2. Examine Texas school districts' administration of their employees' optional retirement investments.

House Committee on Public Education

1. Monitor the implementation of the public school accountability, college readiness, and other reforms enacted by HB 3 (81R) and recommend adjustments as needed.

3. Study the best leadership and management practices of campus administrators for improving student achievement, with particular focus on effective leadership models for improving low-performing campuses. Make recommendations on how to implement successful strategies at scale. Review the current administrator certification process and make suggestions for improvements.

4. Review policies to ensure the availability of quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum to all students in primary and secondary education. Examine strategies to increase the supply and improve retention rates of teachers in STEM fields.

5. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction.

10/29/2009

STAT Bylaws Ballot

Please join us at the Annual STAT Luncheon & Business Meeting during CAST to vote on the proposed bylaws. We encourage you to purchase a ticket to enjoy lunch with our award winners, but you do not need a ticket to attend the business meeting. As a STAT member you may join us in the Galveston Island Convention Center Grand Ballroom C on Friday November 6 at 2pm to take part in the business meeting.

The bylaw changes may be viewed here.

To register online for the STAT luncheon please click here.

10/28/2009

TEA Job Postings

Two new job opportunities in the Division of Curriculum at the Texas Education Agency are available, a science program specialist and a social studies program specialist.

Both job postings will CLOSE on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

Links to additional information and access to the application:

Science Specialist
Social Studies Specialist

Please forward this announcement to anyone you think may be qualified for and interested in either position. Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

9/24/2009

Celebrate STAT Award Winners on November 6 in Galveston!

Albert Einstein said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Today, STAT shares Einstein’s sentiment by honoring outstanding professionals in their field. Congratulations to the following individuals who have demonstrated their ability to improve science education in the classroom and beyond:

Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year Awards

Rookie Science Teacher of the Year: Thomas Delgado

Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year: Michelle Brown

Middle School Science Teacher of the Year: MJ Tykoski

High School Science Teacher of the Year: Cynthia Parish

Virginia Woods Award for Exceptional Contributions and Leadership in Science Education:
For a Faculty or staff member at a Texas college or university who has demonstrated significant contributions and leadership in the development of quality science education.

D’Ann Douglas

Skoog Cup:
For a Faculty or staff member at a Texas college or university who has demonstrated significant contributions and leadership in the development of quality science education.

Dr. James Westgate

Recognition of Service to Science Education:
For outstanding contributions to science education, by an individual.

Individual, Phyllis Kirkpatrick, The Charles A. Dana Center

Recognition of Service to Science Education: Business or Industry
For outstanding contributions to science education, by an individual or organization

Holly Ahern, Sargent-Welch

Lawrence Buford Regional Directors Award:
Awarded to the STAT Regional Director with greatest percent increase in new members

Roxanne Minix-Wilkins

Grady Parker Membership Award:
Awarded to the STAT member who recruits the most members in one year

Kevin Fisher

Help us to recognize excellence in science education and support your fellow teachers by joining us at the STAT Awards Luncheon. You may also contribute through the Awards Donation item located on your online registration form. To attend the luncheon, simply add the luncheon item to your CAST Registration.

STAT Awards Luncheon & Business Meeting
Friday, November 6, 2009
1-3pm
Galveston Island Convention Center, Grand Ballroom C
Click here to register for CAST & STAT Awards Luncheon now!
CAST Registration rates are as follows:

• Early bird registration (DEADLINE PASSED): $110
• Advance Registration (September 27 to October 22): $140
• Regular Registration (October 22 to end of conference): $155

8/6/2009

All Hands on Deck!

Online CAST Registration Opens in 2 Weeks!

As summer winds down, CAST is winding up! With our conference just a few months away, it’s time to plan your schedules, pick your workshops and make your reservations for Galveston! Our upcoming STATellite, out August 17th, is all about CAST. It is filled with all that you need to know about the conference, including:

• Conference Highlights: Featured presentations, special events and social activities ashore Galveston Island
• Ship’s Log: Read the Capt’s message, Ahoy, me hearties!
• Keynote Speakers: Experts in the field share their experience and insights on science education, discoveries and more!

Spend the next couple of weeks picking your top choices for workshops and presentations and be ready to sign up online on August 17th when CAST Registration officially opens!

View the CAST Program.

7/1/2009

STAT Awards Nominations

Help Us Recognize Excellence in Science Education

Applications are still being accepted until September 3rd. Nominate your colleagues in the following categories:

• Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year Award:
• Rookie Science Teacher of the Year
• Elementary School Science Teacher of the Year
• Middle School Science Teacher of the Year
• High School Science Teacher of the Year

Nomination form for Outstanding Teacher Award.


• Virginia Woods Award for Exceptional Contributions and Leadership in Science Education:
  For STAT members who have worked at least 20 years to improve science education

Nomination form for Virginia Woods Award.


• Skoog Cup:
  For faculty or staff member at a Texas college or university who has demonstrated significant contributions and leadership in the development of quality science education.

Nomination form for Skoog Cup.


• STAT Recognition of Service Award:
  For outstanding service to STAT by a member


• STAT Distinguished Leadership in Science Award:
  For outstanding support for science education by a non-teaching EC-12 Administrator without singular responsibilities in science


• Recognition of Service to Science Education: Business or Industry:
  For outstanding contributions to science education, by an individual or organization


• Inez E. Robinson Friend of Science Education Award:
  Awarded to a person who is no longer employed in education but has left a lasting legacy in science education

Nomination form for all other awards.

6/1/2009

Help Us Keep in Touch

Dear STAT Members,

As we are preparing this summer for CAST 2009 in Galveston we would like to be able to inform you of important updates. Our next STATellite, publishing June 15, will be filled with articles from our membership, including:

• Celebrating the International Year of Astronomy in Texas: A synopsis of how Texas is getting involved in the International Year of Astronomy and how you and your students can join in!
• A Teacher in Paris: Jody Harkrider's experience in Paris gets her students excited about science and astronomy.
• Concepts with Cubes: A fun, hands-on earth science lab for any school budget.
• Message from the Past President: STAT Past President Michael Baldwin reflects on the successes and highlights STAT has seen during his tenure as President.

We want to make sure that you receive this publication. Also, our August STATellite will be our pre-CAST issue with lists of workshops, short courses and field trips. We want you to enjoy your summer, but we do not want to lose contact with you. Please send us your home e-mail address so you can receive these important updates. Also, please inform our staff if you have changed jobs so that our membership database stays current.

Don't forget that CAST will be another great learning vacation for you in November!

Please send your contact information changes to STAT@bizaustin.rr.com

5/20/2009

CASTFlash

CAST 2009: Cruise the Currents of Science

Summer vacation doesn't have to end in August.

The Science Teachers Association of Texas invites you to get back to the beach this November.

Come cruise the currents of science with us in Galveston, November 5th-7th, 2009. We are offering three days of continuing education workshops, short courses, field trips and evening social events. Come network and share best practices with science teachers across the state.

Mark your calendar now and make sure your district knows that you simply cannot miss the largest state science conference in the nation!

CAST Housing is still available. The Moody Gardens is the host hotel which will house the exhibit hall. The San Luis Properties (The San Luis Resort, Hilton Galveston Island and Holiday Inn on the Beach) will host many of the workshops and short courses.

Click here to make reservations.

CAST Registration rates are as follows:

• Early bird registration (August to September 26): $110
• Advance Registration (September 27 to October 22): $140
• Regular Registration (October 22 to end of conference): $155

Registration opens in August, refer to the CAST website for more updates.

For more information, please visit the CAST website.

5/6/2009

Legislative Update

House Bill 3, the House version of the Omnibus Accountability Bill was referred to the Senate Education Committee for review on Monday, is now up for a public hearing. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th at 11 a.m. or upon adjournment in room E1.028. The companion bill in the senate, SB 3, has also passed to engrossment and was referred to the House Public Education Committee yesterday. It is believed that testimony on HB 3 will impact both bills as the language in the Senate bill may be incorporated into its House counterpart.

House Bill 710, which seeks to place the State Board of Education under periodic review by the Sunset Advisory Commission, was approved by the House yesterday. It has been passed to engrossment for review on the Senate floor. The Senate companion bill, SB 513, remains in committee.

Visit our Public Policy section for more information on STAT's position statements.
To view the full bills, visit the Texas Legislature website.

4/23/2009

CAST Housing Site Open

Click here to make your housing reservations for CAST 2009, November 5-7 in Galveston.

For more information, visit the CAST website.

4/23/2009

STAT Wants to Publish YOU

Interested in keeping your colleagues informed of important information relating to your field? Do you know of interesting events your fellow teachers and administrators would like to attend? We would love to print your article!

Please e-mail your submissions by June 1st. If published, you will receive advance notice so you can tell your friends and colleagues to keep their eyes peeled for your article in the latest issue of the STATellite.

You can find archives of the electronic STATellite here.

4/15/2009

Congratulations to the New Board Members!

President: Patsy Magee Beaumont Independent School District	Past President: Michael Baldwin Brownsville Independent School District
President-Elect: Joel Palmer Mesquite Independent School District	Vice President: Ross Ann Hill Idalou Independent School District
Secretary: Karen Jo Matsler Birdville Independent School District	Treasurer: Laurel Frank Magnolia Independent School District

4/7/2009

Submit Your CAST Proposals

We would love for you to come cruise the currents of science at CAST 2009 in Galveston. We are currently accepting workshop and short course presenter applications. Proposals are due April 30.

Click here to submit.

For more CAST information, click here.

4/7/2009

State Board of Education Adopts Revised Science TEKS

The State Board of Education adopted revised science TEKS on Friday, March 27, 2009.

The revised science TEKS will be posted on the TEA website in the coming weeks. Please monitor this website for announcements regarding the recently adopted revisions to the science TEKS.

The revised science TEKS will not be effective until 20 days after they are filed with the Texas Register as adopted. The State Board of Education adopted the science TEKS to be implemented in the 2010-2011 school year.

Science TEKS Revision and Implementation Timeline:

• Grades K-8 TEKS review committees met January and May 2008
• High school TEKS review committees met January/February 2008
• Earth and Space Science TEKS committee met April and May 2008
• SBOE update, July 2008
• K-12 TEKS review committees met, including vertical alignment, September 2008
• Vertical team gap analysis (address potential gaps between TEKS and the CRS), October 2008
• Draft TEKS posted for informal feedback, September/October 2008
• Expert review, October 2008
• K-12 TEKS review committees met, October 2008
• SBOE discussion, November 2008
• Public hearing, first reading and filing, January 2009
• Proposed revised TEKS posted for official public comment, February/March 2009
• Public hearing, second reading and adoption, March 2009
• Professional development for TEKS Spring/Summer 2010 and ongoing

***** Implementation of science TEKS, Fall 2010 *****

Additional information on student assessment and textbooks will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your support of science education in Texas!

3/23/2009

STAT Press Release:

State Board of Education to Conduct Second Reading of New Science Standards for Texas

The Texas State Board of Education will conduct a "second reading" of the new science standards on March 25-27, the result of which will be the adoption of the new science curriculum (TEKS) for the next ten years. These standards reflect the work of dedicated science educators serving on revision committees from all over the state of Texas.

On January 22nd, the SBOE made several amendments to the teacher recommended standards. Although an amendment to reintroduce the "strengths and weaknesses" failed, there were other amendments accepted by the board which are of concern. A voice vote called on these preliminary revised standards passed unanimously. These changes to the standards would add confusion about Earth science and biology that questions basic geologic and biological concepts such as evolution, plate tectonics, and transition fossils.

The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) supports the revised Biology and Earth and Space Systems Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills document as submitted by the revision committees, free from any amendments, free of the "strength and weaknesses" language, and free of any other language changes. STAT supports science standards that are factual, clear, and grade appropriate. The phrase "strengths and weaknesses" that appears in current TEKS is inappropriate in the way that science progresses, but more importantly such language may be misinterpreted so that conflicting non-scientific ideas may be introduced along with scientific concepts.

There is overwhelming consensus in the science and science education community that the theory of evolution accounts for the diversity of life inhabiting our planet. Elements of this scientific theory, like any other, are subject to continued refinement as our understanding of living systems improves. A common mistake non-scientists make is the linking of scientific discussions regarding the poorly understood origins of life on Earth with the well-documented theory of evolution. This and other misconceptions regarding what evolution is and the failure to understand the impact that application of evolutionary principals in medicine, agricultural, genetics, and other areas make evolution an essential part of science education.

For more information about the Science Teachers Association of Texas position on the teaching of evolution read our position statement or contact our office at (512) 491-6685.

3/17/2009

STAT Election & CAST Proposals

We Need Your Votes!
STAT Officer elections are coming to a close in two weeks. It's not too late to vote for your STAT representatives.

Go here to cast your ballot. Only STAT members are eligible to vote.

Not a member? Click here to join.

CAST Presenter Proposals
CAST Proposals are due April 30. Send in your submissions here.

3/11/2009

LAST CHANCE to Comment on the Proposed Science TEKS

The proposed revisions to the science TEKS that were approved for first reading by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and filed with the Texas Register are available now.

Click here to view the proposed revisions.

Public comments on proposed revisions may be submitted electronically by clicking the envelope next to each proposed section. Please specify in your message the rule subchapter to which your comments apply (subchapter A is elementary, subchapter B is middle school, subchapter C is high school).

You may e-mail comments on proposed revisions.

Please contact the Division of Policy Coordination at (512) 475-1497 if you have any questions.

The SBOE meeting will occur on March 26-27. A public hearing will occur on March 25, beginning at 12 noon.

Information will be available here.

3/5/2009

House to Vote on Making SBOE Hearings More Accessible

STAT testified this week before the Texas House Committee on Public Education in support of House Bill 772 by Rep. Donna Howard (D-Austin), at her request. The legislation would require that meetings of the State Board of Education be broadcast over the internet and be archived on the agency website.

STAT testimony included that many science teachers have been involved with the current process of revising science TEKS and wish to access SBOE public hearings first-hand, including future discussions of textbook content. And since many teachers are in the classroom during Board Meetings, we especially appreciate the bill's element of being able to access the hearings after the fact in the archive.

The bill was unanimously approved and forwarded to the full House.

Click here for more SBOE updates.

2/19/2009

Reminder to Vote, Send in CAST Proposals and Read the Latest STATellite

A lot is going on with STAT right now and we don't want you to be left out of the loop.

Officer Elections

CAST Proposal Submission

STATellite

The STAT website is constantly updated with the latest STAT news. Periodically check the home page.

Be sure to see the latest on the SBOE meetings. We need to make sure Texas students get a proper science education. Click here to view our legislative page for more information.

2/18/2009

Official Comment Period on Proposed Science TEKS Begins

The proposed revisions to the science TEKS that were approved for first reading by the State Board of Education (SBOE) and filed with the Texas Register are available now.

Click here to view the proposed revisions.

Public comments on proposed revisions may be submitted electronically by clicking the envelope next to each proposed section. Please specify in your message the rule subchapter to which your comments apply (subchapter A is elementary, subchapter B is middle school, subchapter C is high school). You may submit comments on proposed revisions here.

Please contact the Division of Policy Coordination at (512) 475-1497 if you have any questions.

The SBOE meeting will occur on March 26-27. Information will be available here.

The SBOE will vote on the final science standards and whether or not to include teaching the so called "strengths and weaknesses" of evolution.

The Science TEKS is now a political decision that will affect every public school teacher and student in Texas. It is important that every science teacher contact their SBOE board member as soon as possible to support the science TEKS as submitted by the teacher writing groups without any political or religious amendments. The situation is very delicate. The Science Community needs to communicate the significance of this vote by speak directly to their SBOE member.

Click here for information on contacting your SBOE board member.

2/8/2009

Did you receive the December 2008 new and improved electronic STATellite?

If not, make sure you're white-listing e-mails from STAT and click below to see what you missed!

Click here to view past STATellites.

Be sure to look for the February issue in your inbox on February 16, 2009! You don't want to miss any information:

• 2009 STAT Officer Nominees and Online Voting
• Dr. ten Brink's TAKS Analysis: On the Brink of Success
• Kevin Fisher's Article: Does Expelled Belong in the Classroom?
• Updates from STAT affiliates, regional news, mini-CAST information and more!

Would you like to have your writing published?
Are you interested in helping your fellow science teachers or do you just have some interesting information to share?

STAT wants to hear from YOU!

Click here to e-mail your article to the STATellite editor.

The next deadline for submissions is May 15. Check your inbox on June 15 to see if you're published!

1/15/2009

Register for the Public Hearing on Science TEKS

STAT needs you to support proper science education in Texas by attending the public hearing on the Science TEKS.

State Board of Education
Committee of the Full Board
Item #1
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room 1-104 , Texas Education Agency, 1701 North Congress, Austin, TX

Registration
Registration for the science public hearing for proposed TEKS revisions will be held during business hours (8 AM -5 PM) on Friday, January 16 and Tuesday, January 20 (no registration on Monday, January 19 due to MLK holiday).

People who wish to testify may sign up by calling (512) 463-9581, the main curriculum number, on Friday, January 16 and Tuesday, January 20, from 8 AM to 5 PM (January 19 is a holiday). You may also fax your completed registration form to fax number 512-475-3667 by January 20.

Click here for the Registration Form.

The registrants shall provide thirty-five (35) copies of their testimony for distribution to board and staff.

Parking is available for a fee at the meters around the building, the state visitor's lot, or the Bullock Museum.

Click here to find your SBOE representative.

The proposed recommendations to the Science TEKS are available for review here.