‘
Mathematics & Science: Sharpening
Our Focus
COLLEGE READINESS
• By 2010, 42% of all US jobs will require a
vocational certificate, associate degree,
bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 65% of the fastest growing occupations require
some postsecondary education or training.
• Semi-skilled jobs become more technical and
now require some college preparation or
certification. 75% of today’s workforce needs
retraining just to keep pace with rapidly changing
technology.
The Gateway to College
• The probability that a student will ENROLL in a 4year college correlates substantially with
completion of one high school mathematics
course beyond Algebra 2
• Students who complete Algebra 2 are more than
twice as likely to GRADUATE from college as
those who do not
College Readiness Initiatives
Funding:
– $50 million over the biennium to improve high school
graduation and post-secondary readiness
– $50 million over the biennium to serve students at-risk
of dropping out
SHARPENING OUR FOCUS:
on Middle School
• New Initiative: Algebra Readiness
– $80 million committed in new funds
– Strategic Plan & Pilot
– Grants to districts
– Professional development for teachers
– Technology
Middle School
• Strategic Plan and Pilot
– Development of Mathematics Curricular Focal Points
• Identifies critical areas for mathematics instruction at each
grade level from K-8
– Creation of M-STAR Pilot (Middle-School Students in
Texas: Algebra Ready)
• Pilot testing key practices in 9 districts
Middle School
• Grants to Schools
– Algebra Readiness grant program
• Committing $47,000,000 in new funds for approximately 100 –
160 schools over biennium
• Targeting Middle School students
• Assisting teachers with content and instructional strategies
• Providing early Interventions for struggling students
Middle School
• Technology
– Mathematics diagnostic screening instrument (5-8)
– Tech-based supplemental instruction (5-8)
• For students off-track to meet end-of-course passing
standards
SHARPENING OUR FOCUS:
on Teachers
Math Instructional Coaches Pilot
• Districts receive grants to purchase math coaching
services from approved service providers
• Approved math coaches will provide content
knowledge and instructional strategies to middle &
high school math teachers
• To be eligible to receive grant funds, districts must
have characteristics correlated to high dropout rates
Teachers
Math Instructional Coaches Pilot
• Eligible service providers include:
– Institutions of higher education;
– T-STEM centers;
– Regional education service centers; or
– Private organizations with significant experience
• To be designated as an approved service
provider, one must demonstrate significant past
success in improving math instruction
Teachers
Math Instructional Coaches Pilot Status Report:
Cycles 1 and 2
– 62 grantees totaling $11 M
Cycle 3
– $ 4 M available
– RFA closes October 29, 2009
– Over 25 Approved Service Providers,
including some IHEs
Teachers
• UTEACH (T-STEM Pre-Service Teacher Prep)
– Goal:
• To increase the number of highly qualified mathematics and
science teachers in high need areas of the state.
– Strategy:
• To replicate UT’s proven mathematics and science teacher
certification program at universities throughout the state
• To recruit mathematics and science majors to become
teachers and integrate the university’s rigorous core content
with effective teaching techniques, field experience and
teacher certification
Teachers
UTEACH Status Report:
Replication Sites
• The University of Houston
• The University of North Texas
• The University of Texas at Dallas
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• The University of Texas at Tyler
Funding
• $3.8 M
Teachers
• Professional Development
• Mathematics, Science, and Technology Teacher Preparation
Academies – funded by THECB and located at IHEs
• M-STAR training in Curricular Focal Points (5-8)
• E-STAR training (K-5)
• Mathematics End-of-course training (9-12)
• Geometric Approach to Algebra Readiness
SHARPENING OUR FOCUSING:
On Stimulating Student Interest
• • • • • Robotics
Pre-Engineering Project Lead the Way
Aerospace/Rocketry
Design Challenge competitions
Project-based learning
SHARPENING OUR FOCUS:
Early Detection
• Ninth Grade Transition
– Use of early warning data system to identify ninth
grade students off-track for graduation
• Grades
• Attendance
• Discipline referrals
– Intervene early with support for students off-track
SHARPENING OUR FOCUSING:
Creating Model Programs
• T-STEM ACADEMIES
• In 2009, 46 of these rigorous learning
academies, focused on at-risk students in
high need areas.
• These academies are designed to prepare
students to succeed in college and careers in the
fields of:
– Science
– Technology
– Engineering
– Math
Creating Model Programs
T-STEM ACADEMIES
T-STEM academies also are designed to serve as
demonstration schools and learning labs to
develop innovative methods to improve science
and math instruction statewide. T-STEM
academies are encouraged to work closely with
feeder middle schools and institutes of higher
education.
SHARPENING OUR FOCUS:
on College Readiness
Developing and Implementing College Readiness
Standards (CRS)
• The Texas Higher Ed. Coordinating Board and TEA worked
collaboratively to convene vertical teams, comprised of secondary
and postsecondary subject experts, to develop CRS
• 3 Phases of Work
• Phase I: Developing the College Readiness Teams
– Teams of 10 in each core subject–English, Math, Science, and
Social Studies
– 40% Public Education & 60% Higher Education
– 2 co-chairs — one from each sector
College Readiness
Phase II: College Readiness Alignment
• Teams representing each core subject—English, Math,
Science, and Social Studies
• 60% Public Education
• 40% Higher Education
• 2 co-chairs — one from each sector
• Evaluate whether HS curriculum requirements (TEKS)
prepare students for college-level course work
• Recommend how HS curriculum can be aligned to CRS
 Mathematics Vertical Team Gap Analysis, July 2008
 Science Vertical Team Gap Analysis, October 2008
College Readiness
Phase III: College Readiness
Instructional Assistance
• Develop instructional strategies to help prepare
students for college-level work.
• Develop curricula, professional development
materials, and online support materials for
students who need additional assistance in
preparing to successfully perform college-level
work.
Questions?
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jan Lindsey
Sr. Director of College and Career Readiness
Initiatives
Texas Education Agency
512-936-2283
jan.lindsey@tea.state.tx.us