Addressing the Challenges of the New Texas Science Standards: Insights from the Field
As the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for science take full effect, teachers and students alike are navigating significant changes. Drawing from our coaching work in classrooms and collaboration with school and district partners this past fall, we’ve identified three key areas where the transition is posing challenges:
Teachers need to get up to speed with the new curricula and resources.
Gaps in the new primary science resources are starting to show up.
Teachers and students must become familiar with the new STAAR assessment and what it requires.
Here’s a closer look at each of these challenges and how schools can address them effectively.
1. Teachers Need to Get Up to Speed with the New Curricula and Resources
The new science standards have brought sweeping changes to curricula, requiring teachers to adopt new instructional strategies and familiarize themselves with updated resources. Many educators report feeling overwhelmed by the pace of these changes, particularly when they lack sufficient time and training to fully adapt.
What We’ve Observed:
Many teachers are still in the process of understanding how the new standards integrate recurring themes such as systems and energy.
Professional development opportunities have been uneven, leaving some teachers feeling unprepared to implement the new curricula effectively.
Our Recommendation: Districts need targeted professional development that focuses on breaking down the new TEKS into manageable, actionable components. At RPA TREKs, we offer workshops and coaching sessions designed to:
Equip teachers with strategies for aligning their instruction with the revised standards.
Provide hands-on training in inquiry-based learning, a core element of the new TEKS.
Offer practical tools and resources that make lesson planning more efficient and effective.
2. Gaps in the New Primary Science Resources Are Starting to Show Up
The newly adopted science curricula from major publishers were designed to align with the updated TEKS. However, many educators are discovering gaps that leave critical areas of the standards unaddressed. These gaps can hinder student readiness for STAAR and their overall understanding of key concepts.
What We’ve Observed:
Resources often lack sufficient depth in recurring themes, such as systems thinking and interdependence.
Hands-on and inquiry-based activities are underrepresented, leaving teachers to fill the gaps with their own materials.
Teachers are spending valuable time searching for supplemental resources to bridge these deficiencies.
Our Solution: RPA TREKs' products are supplemental Science solutions designed for targeted practice, intervention, and STAAR® preparation aligned to the new TEKS. Our TREKS for STAAR Readiness resources were specifically designed to address these gaps. By focusing on:
Reinforcing the core themes and concepts of the new TEKS.
Providing STAAR-aligned practice questions and activities.
Supporting differentiated instruction for diverse classrooms.
Teachers gain the tools they need to deliver a comprehensive and engaging science education without having to reinvent the wheel.
3. Becoming Familiar with the New STAAR Assessment and What It Requires
The new STAAR assessment has introduced changes that reflect the higher-order thinking and application-focused skills emphasized in the revised TEKS. Teachers and students must understand the structure of the test and its expectations to achieve success.
What We’ve Observed:
Teachers are struggling to integrate STAAR preparation into their daily instruction without sacrificing broader learning goals.
Students often lack experience with the types of critical thinking and problem-solving questions that are now central to the STAAR.
Our Recommendation: Professional development should include specific training on:
The new STAAR test design and the types of questions students will encounter.
Strategies for embedding STAAR practice into regular classroom activities.
Techniques for helping students develop the critical thinking and application skills required for success.
By focusing on these areas, schools can ensure that STAAR preparation becomes an integral, seamless part of science instruction rather than an added burden.
Moving Forward with Confidence
The transition to the new Texas science standards and STAAR assessment is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right support, educators can rise to the occasion. By addressing these three key areas—teacher readiness, resource gaps, and STAAR familiarity—schools can empower their teachers and students to succeed.
At RPA TREKs, we are committed to helping educators navigate these changes with confidence. Through our professional development programs and supplemental resources, we’re equipping teachers with the tools they need to master the new standards and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Contact us today to learn how we can partner with your school or district to support science instruction under the new TEKS.
