ATC Texas Curriculum Standards (TEKS) 3

Question 1

What is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills distinction between 'readiness standards' and 'supporting standards'?

Accepted Answer

Readiness standards are critical for success in current and future grades; supporting standards build foundational skills for readiness standards

Answer

Readiness standards are only tested on STAAR; supporting standards are never assessed

Answer

They are the same thing with different names at different grade levels

Answer

Supporting standards are only for gifted and talented programs

Question 2

Why is it important for ATC teachers to unpack the TEKS before writing unit assessments?

Accepted Answer

To identify the verbs, nouns, and cognitive demand of each standard so assessments accurately measure intended learning

Answer

To reduce the length of the assessment

Answer

To ensure compliance with federal IDEA mandates

Answer

To avoid repeating content from prior units

Question 3

Which Texas program provides TEKS-based instructional materials free to all Texas schools?

Accepted Answer

Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) / HB 3 Adoption

Answer

Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN)

Answer

Texas School for the Deaf curriculum

Answer

Texas Workforce Commission training materials

Question 4

Which resource tool does TEA provide to help teachers understand the depth and complexity of each TEKS?

Accepted Answer

TEKS Clarification Documents and STAAR Performance Level Descriptors

Answer

Google Classroom lesson templates

Answer

District benchmark answer keys

Answer

AP College Board curriculum frameworks

Question 5

In Texas, who has the authority to add local curriculum requirements beyond the TEKS?

Accepted Answer

Local school districts may add requirements but cannot reduce or omit any TEKS

Answer

Only the state legislature can add requirements

Answer

Teachers may substitute TEKS with locally preferred standards

Answer

Campus principals may waive TEKS for struggling learners

Question 6

What is the relationship between the TEKS and an ATC teacher's lesson objectives?

Accepted Answer

Each lesson objective should directly derive from one or more TEKS student expectations

Answer

Lesson objectives are optional when following a textbook

Answer

Objectives are set by the principal, not aligned to TEKS

Answer

TEKS apply only to summative assessments, not daily lessons