Comparing the New TEKS with the Current TEKS

Using the Bridging Tool

Compares one or more current grade level TEKS with one or more new TEKS that cover approximately the same content in the same grade

Goal:

  • To assess how curriculum and instruction must adjust to make the switch to the new TEKS
  • To understand the cognitive and context changes for individual TEKS

Who / Purpose of the Comparison
Teachers / Analyze the changes in the current TEKS
Curriculum Writers / Adjust current units and create new units based on the new TEKS
Professional Developers / Figure out math content and models where teachers may need support
Interventionists / Find a starting place to diagnose student learning gaps

Process:

  1. Choose a new TEKS to study.
  2. Find the current TEKS that matches it and that is from the same grade, if there is one.

General Questions for Discussion:

  • Is the new TEKS the same as the current TEKS?
  • Is the new TEKS an adjustment or clarification of the current TEKS?
  • Is the TEKS new content for the grade level?
  • Is the new TEKS brand new to the Texas math standards?

Content and Context Questions:

  • Do the students perform the same actions to show mastery of the current TEKS as with the new TEKS?
  • Are the verbs in the TEKS the same?
  • Are the levels of the verbs the same?
  • Are the models and specificity in the current and new TEKS the same?
  • Is the number set the same in the new TEKS as in the current TEKS?

Curriculum and Instruction Adjustments:

  • Have you previously taught using the models and specificity called for in the new TEKS?
  • Is the content of the new TEKS currently taught in a different grade level?
  • Do our instructional materials that we will use to teach the new TEKS include the same models and the same student actions that the new TEKS require?
  • What changes do I need to make in my instructional units to ensure that learning gaps are not created?
  • What changes do you need to make in your instructional strategies based on the differences between the TEKS?
  • Where can you get support in understanding the content of the new TEKS?