Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Definition

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are the state standards that outline what students in Texas public schools should know and be able to do at each grade level and subject area. TEKS ensure a consistent educational framework across the state, guiding curriculum development and instructional practices to promote student learning and achievement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TEKS were first implemented in Texas in 1997 as a means to establish clear educational standards for K-12 students across various subjects.
2. The standards are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in educational practices, societal needs, and advancements in knowledge.
3. TEKS cover a wide range of subjects, including English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, and physical education.
4. Each subject area is divided into specific grade-level expectations that outline what students should achieve by the end of each grade.
5. TEKS serve as a foundation for developing state assessments, ensuring that students are evaluated based on the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn.

Review Questions

• How do the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) influence curriculum development in Texas public schools?
  • The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) serve as a foundational framework for curriculum development in public schools across Texas. By providing specific learning objectives for each grade level and subject area, TEKS guide educators in designing lesson plans and instructional strategies that align with state standards. This alignment ensures that all students receive a consistent education that prepares them for academic success while meeting state requirements.
• Discuss how assessment practices in Texas are shaped by the TEKS and their implications for student performance evaluation.
  • Assessment practices in Texas are heavily influenced by the TEKS since these standards define what knowledge and skills students are expected to master. State assessments are designed to measure student performance against these standards, ensuring that evaluations reflect the objectives outlined in the TEKS. This relationship means that student outcomes on assessments directly indicate how well they understand the material specified in the TEKS, impacting accountability measures for schools and educators.
• Evaluate the impact of regularly reviewing and updating the TEKS on the educational landscape in Texas.
  • Regularly reviewing and updating the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) plays a critical role in maintaining an effective educational system that adapts to changing societal needs and advancements in knowledge. This process allows educators to incorporate new teaching methodologies, address current events, and integrate technology into learning. As a result, updated TEKS help prepare students not only for academic challenges but also for real-world applications, ensuring that Texas graduates are equipped with relevant skills for future success.

Related terms

Curriculum: The planned and structured set of learning experiences and objectives designed to guide teaching and learning in schools.

Assessment: The process of evaluating student learning and performance, often through tests, projects, or other methods to measure understanding of the TEKS.

Accountability: The responsibility of schools, teachers, and districts to ensure that students meet educational standards, including those set by the TEKS.