Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) is announcing today that the in-person Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), that was scheduled to take place November 5-7, 2020, in Houston has been cancelled. Instead, STAT will deliver CAST 2020 as a virtual experience to be held over the same dates.

This was not an easy decision, but as an organization dedicated to advancing science teaching and learning, STAT leadership carefully considered all scenarios, data from scientists and guidance from public health officials. Ultimately, the significant challenges presented by COVID-19 and the health and safety risk to our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and staff led all parties to conclude that it is impossible and irresponsible to hold our event as scheduled, so cancelling the in-person conference was the only responsible action.

The Science TEKS Review & Revision process was temporarily delayed in March by the impact of COVID-19 on Texas schools, communities and TEA. In recent weeks, Work Group B has been convened, and the process has begun again. Work Group B is focused on high school courses and is currently meeting to create a draft for SBOE review. STAT representatives connected with TEA officials to get an update on the process.

We are pleased to report that STAT goals are continuing to be considered and implemented, as evidenced in the following Q & A with TEA. STAT is grateful for the collaborative nature of this process with stakeholders and Agency staff, guided by the thoughtful leadership from the members of the SBOE.

With a backdrop of continued protests against systemic racism and social inequity, the Science Teachers Association of Texas grieves the continued injustices against people of color and the senseless loss of life. 

At this critical time, our association, representing more than 5,000 science educators of every background, is reflecting on how we can promote equity within science education while bringing more diverse voices into the conversation.

With CAST 2020 scheduled for November, we are currently moving forward with our regular timelines, planning, and preparations. STAT leadership is diligently monitoring the situation as it unfolds and will adjust and communicate changes as necessary.

We plan to host an incredible event as we return to Houston, but the safety of our attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, and staff will always be paramount.

STAT is thrilled to report a major success in the Texas science community, which is directly the result of efforts by STAT, the Texas Science Education Leadership Association (TSELA), and the Metroplex Area Science Supervisors (MASS). At the January 31 State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, the board provided guidance to TEA staff and the science TEKS review work groups as they began work on recommendations to revise the science TEKS. Staff was instructed to provide the science work groups with A Framework for K-12 Science Education to be used as a resource to inform recommendations for revisions to the science TEKS.  

This is an exciting step in a positive direction. STAT would like to thank the SBOE for their support of great science teaching and learning and their willingness to engage with stakeholders who collectively brought this forward for consideration.