| (a) Implementation. The provisions of this section
shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2024-2025
school year.
(1) No later than August 1, 2024, the commissioner
of education shall determine whether instructional materials funding
has been made available to Texas public schools for materials that
cover the essential knowledge and skills identified in this section.
(2) If the commissioner makes the determination that
instructional materials funding has been made available this section
shall be implemented beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and
apply to the 2024-2025 and subsequent school years.
(3) If the commissioner does not make the determination
that instructional materials funding has been made available under
this subsection, the commissioner shall determine no later than August
1 of each subsequent school year whether instructional materials funding
has been made available. If the commissioner determines that instructional
materials funding has been made available, the commissioner shall
notify the State Board of Education and school districts that this
section shall be implemented for the following school year.
(b) Introduction.
(1) Technology includes data communication, data processing,
and the devices used for these tasks locally and across networks.
Learning to apply these technologies motivates students to develop
critical-thinking skills, higher-order thinking, and innovative problem
solving. Technology applications incorporates the study of digital
tools, devices, communication, and programming to empower students
to apply current and emerging technologies in their careers, their
education, and beyond.
(2) The technology applications Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills (TEKS) consist of five strands that prepare students to
be literate in technology applications by Grade 8: computational thinking;
creativity and innovation; data literacy, management, and representation;
digital citizenship; and practical technology concepts. Communication
and collaboration skills are embedded across the strands.
(A) Computational thinking. Students break down the
problem-solving process into four steps: decomposition, pattern recognition,
abstraction, and algorithms.
(B) Creativity and innovation. Students use innovative
design processes to develop solutions to problems. Students plan a
solution, create the solution, test the solution, iterate, and debug
the solution as needed, and implement a completely new and innovative
product.
(C) Data literacy, management, and representation.
Students collect, organize, manage, analyze, and publish various types
of data for an audience.
(D) Digital citizenship. Students practice the ethical
and effective application of technology and develop an understanding
of cybersecurity and the impact of a digital footprint to become safe,
productive, and respectful digital citizens.
(E) Practical technology concepts. Students build their
knowledge of software applications and hardware focusing on keyboarding
and use of applications and tools. Students also build their knowledge
and use of technology systems, including integrating the use of multiple
applications.
(3) The technology applications TEKS can be integrated
into all content areas and can support stand-alone courses. Districts
have the flexibility of offering technology applications in a variety
of settings, including through a stand-alone course or by integrating
the technology applications standards in the essential knowledge and
skills for one or more courses or subject areas.
(4) Statements containing the word "including"
reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the
phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.
(c) Knowledge and skills.
(1) Computational thinking--foundations. The student
explores the core concepts of computational thinking, a set of problem-solving
processes that involve decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction,
and algorithms. The student is expected to:
(A) decompose story problems into smaller, manageable
subproblems and identify a solution to the problems;
(B) identify simple and complex patterns in story problems;
(C) develop a plan collaboratively and document a plan
that outlines specific steps taken to complete a project; and
(D) debug simple algorithms (set of procedures) by
identifying and removing errors.
(2) Computational thinking--applications. The student
applies the fundamentals of computer science. The student is expected
to:
(A) use variables within a program to store data; and
(B) use a design process to create programs that include
sequences, loops, and conditionals to express ideas or address a problem.
(3) Creativity and innovation--innovative design process.
The student takes an active role in learning by using a design process
to solve authentic problems for a local or global audience, using
a variety of technologies. The student is expected to:
(A) explain the importance of and demonstrate personal
skills and behaviors, including metacognition, effective communication,
following directions, and mental agility, needed to implement the
design process successfully; and
(B) apply an appropriate design process using components
such as peer and teacher feedback to create new and useful solutions
to authentic problems.
(4) Creativity and innovation--emerging technologies.
The student demonstrates an understanding that technology is dynamic
and impacts different communities. The student is expected to define
emerging technologies.
(5) Data literacy, management, and representation--collect
data. The student uses digital strategies to collect and identify
data. The student is expected to:
(A) identify and collect numerical data such as the
price of goods or temperature; and
(B) use various search strategies with adult assistance.
(6) Data literacy, management, and representation--organize,
manage, and analyze data. The student uses data to answer questions.
The student is expected to analyze data in graphs to identify and
discuss trends and inferences.
(7) Data literacy, management, and representation--communicate
and publish results. The student communicates data through the use
of digital tools to inform an audience. The student is expected to
use digital tools to communicate and publish results to inform an
intended audience.
(8) Digital citizenship--social interactions. The student
understands different styles of digital communication and that a student's
actions online can have a long-term impact. The student is expected
to:
(A) define digital footprint;
(B) define digital etiquette; and
(C) define digital collaboration.
(9) Digital citizenship--ethics and laws. The student
recognizes and practices responsible, legal, and ethical behavior
while using digital tools and resources. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate adherence to local acceptable use policy
(AUP) that reflects positive social behavior in the digital environment;
(B) communicate the purpose of copyright law and identify
appropriate and inappropriate uses of digital content and information;
and
(C) identify the required elements of citations for
digital forms of media.
(10) Digital citizenship--privacy, safety, and security.
The student practices safe, legal, and ethical digital behaviors to
become a socially responsible digital citizen. The student is expected
to:
(A) demonstrate account safety, including creating
a strong password and logging off accounts and devices;
(B) describe ways to employ safe practices such as
protecting digital identity and avoid online dangers such as accessing
unsafe websites or clicking on suspicious links; and
(C) discuss cyberbullying and explain how to respond
to cyberbullying.
(11) Practical technology concepts--processes. The
student engages with technology systems, concepts, and operations.
The student is expected to:
(A) compare and contrast applications such as word
processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tools for relevance to an
assigned task; and
(B) perform software application functions such as
inserting or deleting text, inserting images, and formatting page
layout and margins.
(12) Practical technology concepts--skills and tools.
The student selects appropriate methods or techniques for an assigned
task and identifies and solves simple hardware and software problems
using common troubleshooting strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) communicate an understanding of terminology related
to operating systems and network systems such as internet, intranet,
wireless network, short-range wireless technology, and learning management
systems;
(B) identify where and how to save files such as using
appropriate naming conventions and effective file management strategies;
(C) demonstrate proper touch keyboarding techniques
with accuracy and ergonomic strategies such as correct hand and body
positions;
(D) identify and practice using keyboard or other input
device shortcuts for actions such as copy, paste, undo, or closing
windows; and
(E) identify minor technical problems with hardware
and software and solve the issues with assistance.
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