Arlington, VA—March 25, 2009—The National Science Teachers Association, the largest organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, released the following statement regarding the revised Texas state science education standards (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or TEKS).
“The National Science Teachers Association strongly urges the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to oppose amendments to the draft TEKS state science standards that could undermine sound science education in Texas. We join other national and state groups and call on the Texas SBOE to adopt the TEKS science standards as originally drafted and recommended by the scientists and educators on the TEKS writing committees.
The current economic climate demands that all students receive a quality science education so they are adequately prepared for both the rigors of college and for the workforce. The eyes of the nation are on Texas today. The Texas SBOE hearing and subsequent vote can have a profound impact on the future of science education. Now is the time for the Texas SBOE to do the right thing and vote in favor of adopting the TEKS science standards originally developed by the writing committees and reject any further attempts to reinsert language referring to ‘strengths and weaknesses’ into the science standards.”
At its January 2009 meeting, the Texas SBOE adopted a series of amendments to the TEKS that misrepresent biological evolution and related topics in the earth and space sciences. These standards will play a critical role in the education provided to Texas students for the next 10 years. Today, the Texas SBOE will hold a final hearing on the revised TEKS science standards. A vote on the final standards is expected later this week.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 58,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
Contact Information
Kate Meyer
National Science Teachers Association
kmeyer@nsta.org
(703) 312-9211