How Were the TEKS Created & What is Its Significance?

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) framework details the educational standards in the state of Texas, providing a comprehensive outline of what students are expected to learn from kindergarten through 12th grade. This framework is essential not only for guiding educators but also for ensuring that students across Texas receive a consistent and complete education.

How Were the TEKS Created?

The process of creating the TEKS began in the early 1990s following the Texas Legislature’s mandate to develop a new set of state standards that would replace the Essential Elements. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board of Education (SBOE) spearheaded this initiative, emphasizing a need for standards that would be more detailed and ensure higher academic achievement.

The development of TEKS was a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including educators, administrators, parents, business leaders and experts in specific subject areas. These groups worked together in committees to draft the standards, ensuring they were comprehensive and addressed the educational needs of all students. The process included multiple drafts, public reviews and revisions to ensure the final standards were rigorous, clear and applicable to real-world scenarios.

In 1997, the SBOE officially adopted the TEKS, marking a significant shift in educational policy in Texas. The adoption was followed by a period of implementation, during which educators received training on how to effectively incorporate the new standards into their teaching practices.

Who Determines What Students in Texas Learn

The governance of what students learn in Texas is primarily the responsibility of the State Board of Education (SBOE). The SBOE consists of 15 elected members, each representing one of Texas’s districts. These members serve four-year terms and are tasked with adopting rules and policies for the state’s public schools, including the TEKS.

In addition to the SBOE, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) plays a crucial role in implementing the standards. The TEA provides resources, training and support to school districts and educators to ensure the TEKS are effectively taught in classrooms across the state. The Commissioner of Education, appointed by the Governor, oversees the TEA and works closely with the SBOE to align educational policies with state standards.

The process of revising the TEKS is ongoing and involves periodic reviews to keep the standards up to date with current educational research and societal needs. The review process is inclusive, seeking input from educators, parents, business and industry leaders and higher education representatives. This ensures the TEKS remain relevant and continue to meet the educational goals of the state.

The Importance of the TEKS Framework

The TEKS framework is critically important for several reasons:

1. Consistency Across the State

One of the primary benefits of the TEKS is that it ensures consistency in what students learn across Texas. Regardless of the district or school, all students are taught to the same standards, which helps to level the educational playing field. This consistency is crucial in a state as large and diverse as Texas where educational disparities can be significant.

2. Clear Expectations

The TEKS provide clear and specific expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. This clarity helps teachers design their curriculum and instructional strategies around well-defined goals, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve academic success.

3. Accountability

The TEKS framework is tied to the state’s accountability system, which includes standardized testing and assessments. These assessments are designed to measure student proficiency in relation to the TEKS. The results are used to hold schools and districts accountable for student performance, which can drive improvements in teaching and learning.

4. Preparation for the Future

The TEKS are designed to prepare students for success beyond high school, whether they choose to enter the workforce, pursue higher education or enlist in the military. The standards emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving and other skills that are essential in today’s global economy.

5. Support for Educators

By providing a clear framework, the TEKS help educators focus their teaching on essential knowledge and skills. The TEA and various educational organizations offer professional development and resources to help teachers effectively implement the standards. This support is vital for maintaining high-quality instruction across the state.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

The process of creating and revising the TEKS involves significant input from a broad range of stakeholders, ensuring that the standards reflect the needs and values of the community. This engagement fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the education of Texas’s children.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its many strengths, the TEKS framework is not without its challenges and criticisms. Some educators and stakeholders argue that the standards are too prescriptive and do not allow enough flexibility for teachers to tailor instruction to the needs of their students. Others believe that the focus on standardized testing can lead to a narrow curriculum, where subjects not included in the assessments receive less attention.

In addition, the political nature of the SBOE can sometimes lead to controversies over the content of the standards, particularly in subjects like history and science. These debates can delay the adoption of new standards and create uncertainty for educators and students.

Final Thoughts

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills framework is integral to the state’s educational system, designed to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. The creation of the TEKS involved extensive collaboration and input from various stakeholders, resulting in a set of standards that provide clear expectations and support for educators. While the framework faces some challenges, it plays an important role in promoting consistency, accountability, and preparation for the future.

The TEKS continue to evolve, reflecting the changing needs of society and the ongoing commitment to providing the best possible education for the students of Texas.

Learn More

To learn more about TEKS, we encourage you to explore our articles on TEKS, TechApps for Texas, and TA-TEKS by clicking the button below.

Further Reading