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Dearest Readers—
It is with utmost delight (and just a hint of scientific sparkle) that I, your devoted Lady Whistledown, extend a warm welcome to you all as we embark upon a new academic season. Our halls of learning once again buzz with the familiar cadence of anticipation, curiosity, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh dry erase markers.
This summer, Region 10’s Science and STEM community positively flourished! Our summer sessions bloomed with innovation, much like the ever-intriguing Mendel’s peas, as teachers from every corner honed their craft and embraced new discoveries. The sessions were abuzz with hands-on explorations, collaborative experiences, and the exhilarating exchange of research and resources. Never have I seen such engagement—rumor has it, our participants even enjoyed themselves as much as they learned!
If, perhaps, you were unable to attend, do not despair—this Lady assures you, the pursuit of knowledge knows no seasons. Region 10 offers captivating workshops and sessions throughout the year, ensuring that your practice may continue to grow brighter than Newton’s apple after a fortuitous fall. I encourage you, dear educators, to frequent the Region 10 Science and STEM webpages, where the very latest in learning opportunities and professional development await your perusal.
As the ink dries on these pages and the school year unfolds, let curiosity and innovation guide your every lesson. Together, we shall write another remarkable chapter in the annals of STEM achievement.
Yours in perpetual inquiry,
Lady Vectra
P.S. “The more curious the mind, the more wondrous the discoveries.”
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What have we learned lately?
Science Assessed Curriculum:
You've got questions....We have some answers!
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Recently, you all have been asking some questions about the Science Assessed Curriculum and we wanted to address those and share what we have found out! If you think of more, Jenn and I would welcome those and do our best to get the information you are searching for. Our contact information can be found and the end of this email!
Q: Where can we find the assessed curriculum for this year?
A: https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/staar/science-resources. (Check under the Assessed Curriculum subtitle)
Q: What is the assessed curriculum for this year? Is it the 2024-2025 Transition Year (side-by-side version) or the Beginning with the Spring 2026 version(s)?
A: The beginning with the Spring 2026 versions are the valid assessed curriculum for the Spring testing in grades 5, 8, and Bio. The 2024-2025 transition year is still valid for December Biology testers.
Q: Why do the Beginning with the Spring 2026 version(s) have the draft watermark on them?
A: TEA has not removed the watermark yet, but it is the version that will be used for the 2025-2026 school year.
Q: Why did TEA name the Beginning with the Spring 2026 version(s)...instead of the 2025-2026 name?
A: Beginning in spring 2026, the version will be used for multiple years (2025-2026) and 2026-2027, not just one year. Thus, this will be our assessed curriculum until the assessed curriculum changes. There is no current expiration date.
Q: There is a rumor that 3rd grade and 6th standards on the Beginning with the Spring 2026 version will not be tested this year. Is this correct? If so, why does the Beginning with the Spring Version not specifically say this?
A: TEA created the one Beginning with Spring 2026 version because it did not want to give the impression to 3rd and 6th-grade teachers that these standards were not coded (readiness and supporting) because the would be assessed for their students in the following years.
What questions did we miss? Let us know by reaching out to us!
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TEKS Guides
The 2025-2026 year is here and did you know that the TEKS Guides have some amazing tools to support you while you are lesson planning? YES! Here are some tips on how to use the TEKS Guides and allow them to do some of the thought work for you.
Here are practical tips to utilizing the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) Guides effectively:
1. Make Use of Overview and Background Sections
- Begin with the overview section: It offers valuable background information, clarifies standards, and addresses common student misconceptions for each grade level. This helps teachers prepare for challenges and tailor their instruction accordingly.
2. Leverage Vertical Alignment & Recurring Themes and Concepts
- Use the vertical alignment feature to see how concepts build from one grade to the next, which assists in both spiraling instruction and identifying gaps.
- Explore the recurring themes and concepts—these help connect units across grades and topics for deeper student understanding, making learning more cohesive.
3. Find Cross-Curricular Connections
- The Guides highlight connections to other content areas (math, social studies, English, technology), allowing teachers to design integrated lessons that reinforce essential concepts across disciplines. Look for these under the alignment tool.
4. Integrate Engineering Practices
- The latest TEKS for science now more explicitly include engineering practices. The guide provides support for incorporating engineering and scientific practices into the classroom.
5. Explore Breakouts and Side-by-Side Tools
- Use Breakouts to deconstruct expectations into teachable parts.
- The Side-by-Side tool helps compare changes between old and new TEKS, making curriculum updates and mapping more manageable.
By following these tips and actively engaging with the TEKS Guides, educators can streamline their planning, ensure alignment with standards, and enhance student learning outcomes. Encourage them to access all supports available on the TEA and TEKS Guide websites, as well as local professional development opportunities.
For more on TEKS Guides, you can access the recording from TEA Curriculum HERE and the slide deck HERE.
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🎉 It’s that time again, STEM Champions! 🎉
Registration is OPEN!
We’re gearing up for another incredible year with the Region 10 STEM Programs, and guess what? We’re turning up the energy and shaking things up a bit—so get ready to choose your level of engagement and join us in transforming STEM education!
You’ve got TWO exciting ways to plug into the action!
Take a look at our side-by-side comparison of these two amazing options!
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Option 1: Region 10 STEM Network
That’s right—introducing the Region 10 STEM Network, a vibrant community designed for anyone passionate about STEM. Whether you’re a classroom educator, leader in a district, or somewhere in between—this is YOUR space!
You’ll get insider updates on what’s happening in STEM across Texas and the nation, plus early access to tools, trends, and events that are shaping the future of STEM learning.
💡 Sound like your vibe? Then let’s get you plugged in and ready to thrive during the 2025–2026 school year. You don’t want to miss this! Here is the schedule of meetings for you to add to your calendar. Fill out the interest form to receive more information to register for meetings!
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Option 2: Region 10 STEM Cohort
Looking for a deeper dive? Say hello to the 2025–2026 Region 10 STEM Cohort—an exclusive opportunity to:
✅ Engage with top STEM experts
✅ Participate in a transformative book study
✅ Unlock access to exclusive learning experiences
✅ Grow your impact and earn your National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) Certification
… and yes, you'll even receive the official STEM Cohort white coat to wear with pride! 🥼
🚨 But here’s the deal: This opportunity fills up fast. First, fill out our Interest Form to raise your hand. Next, you'll receive a personalized welcome email with all the details to officially register and secure your spot. Here is the schedule if you want to check it out!
💥 Don’t wait. Level up your practice, build your resume, and join a community that’s pushing the boundaries of what STEM education can be!
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Region 10 STEM
Cohort NISE Grads 2023
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Region 10 STEM
Cohort NISE Grads 2024
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Does AI belong in the classoom? It's here? How do we deal with it?
Well, A.J. Juliani, former curriculum Coordinator, Tech Director, English teacher, football coach, and K-12 Instructional Coach, A.J. has worked towards innovative learning experiences for schools in various roles. He has some thoughts on this matter. Read all about it! It may just change your thinking!
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Seats are limited! Join us for a unique STEM training on September 5th!
SeaPerch Teacher Training: Hands-On Workshop
Join us for a full-day, immersive workshop designed to equip educators with the skills and confidence to bring underwater robotics into the classroom through the SeaPerch program. This hands-on training will walk participants through the complete build of a SeaPerch ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), covering basic tool use, soldering, waterproofing, and testing in the water.
Participants will also explore strategies for classroom integration, receive an overview of SeaPerch Challenge competitions, and learn how to access additional curriculum and student opportunities. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm for STEM and hands-on learning!
Who Should Attend:
Middle and high school STEM teachers, CTE instructors, informal educators, and anyone interested in bringing engaging, project-based learning to students.
What’s Included:
- SeaPerch build materials and tools for training
- Classroom implementation resources
- Certificate of completion
- Access to ongoing support and program updates
Register using the flyer. Click the button below for more.
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Cracking the Code for the Science STAAR
Unlock the secrets of the redesigned Science STAAR with this self-paced course designed for Texas educators. Whether you're new to the STAAR or looking to refine your strategies, this training will walk you through the assessment blueprint, item types, and performance level descriptors so you can confidently plan instruction that prepares students for success. Participants will explore how to analyze STAAR questions, align instruction with the TEKS, and implement classroom strategies that build student thinking, vocabulary, and scientific reasoning.
You’ll leave with:
✔ A clear understanding of how the STAAR is structured
✔ Tools to align instruction and assessment
✔ Sample questions
✔ Practical strategies to boost student performance
Perfect for busy teachers—complete it anytime, at your own pace!
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Get registered for our state science conference.It's in Region 10 this year!!! Well, more specifically, Dallas, but we will claim it anyways!
If there is anywhere to find resources, ideas, and collaborate with other science educators and enthusiasts it's at CAST! You can learn more about this conference on the CAST website. We hope to see you there!
Click the link to learn more: https://cast.statweb.org/
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Request us to come to your district!
If you are a Region 10 Cooperative district, you can request professional development in your district. Just simply fill out our workshop request form (bit.ly/R10PDRequestForm).
You can check out our offerings on our webpages- Pick your need using the buttons below!
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Samantha Bradbury
Science & STEM Consultant
Innovation & Instructional Practices
samantha.bradbury@region10.org
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Jennifer Culver
TCMPC & Science Consultant
Curriculum Support Services
jennifer.culver@region10.org
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