This course familiarizes educators with the newly structured Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TA TEKS) for students in grades 3–5, equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate these standards into their teaching practices.
Participants will explore a detailed learner profile for upper-elementary students, highlighting their interests, learning characteristics, and developmental milestones. Using this foundation, educators will learn how to seamlessly integrate TA TEKS into core subject areas, review and discuss lesson plans and activities that foster crossover learning, and incorporate technology application standards alongside traditional content standards.
The course also covers assessment strategies, including formative assessments, rubrics, and performance standards, helping teachers confidently guide students toward mastery of the new TA TEKS. By the end of the course, educators will be prepared to enhance their teaching methodologies, creating a more engaging and effective learning environment for grades 3–5 students.
Learn with TCEA?
- Our courses are streamlined for efficient and lasting learning.
- We share ideas and resources that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
- We also offer ideas and techniques based on years of experience in professional development, integrating educator feedback to always meet the needs of course participants.
Self-Paced Online Course
Technology Applications: TEKS for Grades 6-8 is a self-paced, online program. Participants can begin anytime and go at their own speed throughout the program.
Upon enrollment, you will receive a program invitation email from TCEA’s learning management system that will give you access to the self-paced course. Within the course, you will find modules that must be moved through in sequential order.
Course Modules
Introduction to the New TA TEKS: In this module, you will explore the updated Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for grades 6-8. You’ll learn about the structure and layout of the standards as well as key changes introduced in the new standards and how they impact curriculum design and classroom teaching. You will also review a list of approved instructional materials that support the Technology Applications TEKS.
Understanding the 6-8 Learner Profile: In this module, you will take a look at the developmental stages, interests, and learning characteristics of students in sixth through eighth grade. You will also explore common misconceptions and misunderstandings that students in this age group have in regards to these specific technology standards and how to mitigate those misconceptions. This understanding will form the basis for effectively integrating technology in a way that resonates with middle school students.
Integrating TA TEKS with Core Subjects: In this module, you will discover strategies for seamlessly incorporating technology standards into the core subject areas of ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies. You’ll learn how to create engaging and educational content that leverages technology to enhance student learning across the curriculum.
TA TEKS Deployment Techniques: In this module, you will learn different deployment techniques to accomplish the TA TEKS in grades 6-8. These techniques include a lab-focused deployment, infusing the TA TEKS in core content classrooms, and a hybrid model that uses both the lab and classroom instruction to help students build strong technology skills. You’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each so that you can develop a solid plan to support your students regardless of how the TA TEKS are deployed in your school.
Assessing Student Mastery of the Technology Applications TEKS: In this module, you will explore various methods for assessing student mastery of the Technology Applications TEKS. You’ll learn essential tips for creating assessments that align with the TEKS standards and incorporate real-world problems, collaboration, and technology tools. The module also covers a wide range of assessment strategies, such as digital portfolios, project-based learning, and peer reviews, along with differentiating assessments to meet diverse student needs. Additionally, you’ll discover how to leverage AI tools for creating rubrics, multiple-choice questions, and choice boards as well as gain access to practical sample prompts and templates to design your own assessments.