Science & STEM Happenings
2024 - 2025
October Edition
Pumpkin Spice Season!
Well, it is officially pumpkin spice season! (as though it hasn't been since 11:59 pm on August 31st 😒😂) As we all know, October has a reputation of being a potentially trying month in our world of education. So, I encourage you to take some time this month to recharge. Maybe for you that does look like indulging on a pumpkin spice latte. Or perhaps it's a nice hike through nature. Or maybe just porch sittin' and taking in the beautiful fall foliage color changes.
Remember, the work you do matters! And you got this!!
Happy October!
See Professional Learning Opportunities by month below.
Please note, that additional sessions may be added along the way, so check each month's newsletter for updates.
October
Anchoring the Learning in Science
Explore strategies to help students with retention!
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
Empowering Students to Think Like Scientists
Learn how the scientific method, CER, and EDP, all work together to support the SEPs.
Register HERE
**Will be offered again in January**
November
Formative Assessments in Science
Experience formative assessments through the eyes of your students, and gain tools to use in your classroom!
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
December
No offerings this month at this time, due to reduced amount of instructional days to incorporate Christmas activities and break, as well as semester exams.
January
Empowering Students to Think Like Scientists
Phenomenal Engagement in Science
Posing happenings, events, and natural occurrences to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences that inspire wonder, curiosity, and application.
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
February
Instructional Strategies that Foster Student Collaboration in Science
Gain a variety of formative strategies that will boost vocabulary retention and increase student collaboration.
Register HERE
*This was part of the 23-24 Professional Learning Series, and is being offered again for the 24-25 school year as a single session*
Science STAAR Review - Game On!
Design a data driven review plan to help your students be successful on STAAR!
Register HERE
**Will be offered again in March**
March
Science STAAR Review - Game On!
April
No offerings this month at this time, due to our schools diligently working through testing season. Best wishes to all of our districts!
May
No offerings this month at this time, as many of our schools are closing the year out with award ceremonies, field trips, and semester exams. Stay tuned for summer offerings!
Do you have new science friends on your campus?
Please share this newsletter with them and encourage them to scroll to the bottom and click 'subscribe'. This will ensure that they are on my newsletter mailing list, and will receive monthly newsletters with updates, important info., and professional learning opportunities.
Performance Level Descriptors
TEA provides performance level descriptors, indicating what students should know and be able to do at each assessment threshold (masters, meets, approaches, below)
- Grade 5 Grade 5 Science PLDs (texas.gov)
- Grade 5 Spanish Grade 5 Science PLDs (texas.gov)
- Grade 8 Grade 8 Science PLDs (texas.gov)
- Biology End of Course (texas.gov)
***Cluster Practice Sets can be found within the online practice site***
TEA’s STEM Coordinator’s Network
The Texas Education Agency is excited to announce the new Texas Education Agency's STEM Coordinators Network—a collaborative community dedicated to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and programs. This group, led by TEA's STEM Coordinator, Michelle Sedberry, brings together STEM coordinators from diverse educational institutions and organizations to share best practices, innovative strategies, and resources for enhancing STEM learning experiences.
Purpose: The purpose is to empower STEM coordinators with the tools and knowledge they need to create engaging and effective STEM programs. We aim to foster a supportive network where members can exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and drive continuous improvement in STEM education.
What The Network Offers:
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow STEM coordinators to build relationships, collaborate on projects, and share successes and insights bi-monthly.
Problem-Solving Support: A space to seek advice, discuss challenges, and find solutions tailored to your unique STEM program needs.
Who Should Join: This group is designed for district and campus-level STEM coordinators, higher education STEM directors, and STEM directors at non-profit organizations. Anyone involved in the planning and implementation of STEM programs at a systemic level. Complete the form to become a member of the STEM Coordinator’s Network. https://forms.gle/vSZUzBjwdJvpqmBb6