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.

When the 86th Texas Legislature convened in January, Gov. Greg Abbott declared that the state must invest more in public education, and newly elected House Speaker Dennis Bonnen stocked the House members’ lounge with Styrofoam cups that read “School Finance Reform, The Time Is Now.” Now, sine die (the last day of the legislative session) has passed, and legislators have returned home to their constituents having achieved their goal of passing major school finance legislation (HB 3).

Here’s a look at the major education legislation passed by the 86th Legislature. HB 3 does not contain any specific provisions pertaining to science education, but of course any legislation affecting public education in such a fundamental away will have an impact on Texas science educators.

The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) applauds the April 3 passage of House Bill 3 by the Texas House of Representatives on a 148-1 vote. HB 3 represents a significant investment in public education and would pump $6.3 billion of new funding into Texas public schools. The bill would also dedicate $2.7 billion to property tax compression.