step up to the teks science products

All Step Up to the TEKS Science products are written to address the specificity of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).  Careful consideration is paid to the verb, the concepts, and the implementation methods outlined within each TEKS.  The vertical alignment is also noted to ensure all materials meet the level of difficulty and rigor specified for that grade.  GF Educators has produced material in Texas, for Texas teachers for over 30 years and takes great pride in the fact that all our materials are written solely for use in Texas.


solutions for the entire teaching cycle

GF Educators produces more than just the test preparation material that many of the other companies produce.  We have products which can be used during the entire teaching cycle from planning, through instruction, and assessment.  The expertise we garner by focusing only on the Texas standards (TEKS) provides a unique perspective to our products.  Companies which produce products for many different states and/or the common core curriculum merely adapt those materials to the TEKS.  GF Educators produces all materials specifically for the TEKS.



teks checklist

Easy to use and in-depth TEKS breakouts for complete understanding of teaching goals.  Each TEKS contains vertically aligned expectations from surrounding grade levels to aid in RtI and enrichment instruction.

Grades Kindergarten - Biology


practice books

TEKS focused lessons and practice problems that address every aspect of the TEKS.  Each practice books guides students through an in-depth exploration of science content.  Practice books include cross-curriculum writing and reading activities to enhance student comprehension.

Grades 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and Biology


teks-tivities

Engaging activities built around the verb, concept, and method of implementation for each TEKS.

Grades 5th - Biology


power reviews

Two week intensive Readiness standard review for use prior to STAAR assessments to reinforce 60% of tested curriculum.  Review books contain engaging activities, vocabulary reviews, and formative assessments to check student retention of science content.

Grades 5th, 8th, Biology


assessment books

Assessment books provide two full benchmark assessments that address the grade level TEKS.  Each assessment book also contains 20 question quizzes to review each reporting category. Teacher Editions contain an item analysis to reinforce student learning.

Grades 5th, 8th, Biology


professional development

Conferences around the state, webinars, and on-site professional development focused on addressing all aspects of the TEKS in the classroom.

Elementary and Secondary

practice books

Development of the Practice Books is based on TEKS specificity while incorporating the value and guidance of various learning theories including the social cognitive theory and a constructivist approach to classroom engagement. Each of the TEKS are incorporated into engaging activities, teaching models, guided practice, and independent practice to provide educators with all the resources needed to differentiate student learning. Readiness TEKS, Supporting TEKS, and even non-tested TEKS are covered in detail in each Practice Book. The Process Standard TEKS are incorporated into the content TEKS in order to guide teachers and students through valuable learning processes. Practice Books are organized by individual content TEKS and sorted into Assessment Reporting Categories to ensure seamless scope and sequence integration. All Step Up to the TEKS books are updated to meet the TEA specifications for the tested Mathematics TEKS starting in the 2014-15 school year. The format of the books has changed and now includes more information to help both teachers and students find success by focusing on the TEKS and not just the test.


Each Books contents

Background Information
contains TEKS, vertical alignment, vocabulary, and essential question

Journal Writing and Reading Selections
Integration of Reading and Writing TEKS for cross-curricular learning

Essential Questions
These questions focus on the verb, concept, and methods of implementation for each TEKS.

Guided Practice
Students get practice with questions targeting different aspects of the TEKS.

Independent Practice
STAAR Formatted and open-ended questions are included and the entire TEKS is covered.

Classroom Activities
Lab investigations and vocabulary activities enhance student understanding of TEKS concepts.


assessment books

The Assessment Books provide on-target Benchmarks and Category Tests that were specifically designed to meet the blueprints provided by TEA.  These books are designed to be used in conjunction with each other.  The Student Edition is comprised of TWO Blueprint Benchmarks and Four Category Tests of 20 questions each.  There are no repeated questions on any of the tests and each question was written specifically to address the associated TEKS. 

Benchmarks

TWO Blueprint Benchmarks are included in each book.

Category tests

Each Reporting Category is covered with a 20 question Assessment which covers all tested TEKS but focuses on Readiness Standards.

STaar chart

Students keep track of their progress through STAAR Charts covering each Benchmark and Reporting Category Test.

Item Analysis

Use each assessment as a re-teach tool by having students complete an error analysis and extension question.

Assessment te sample pages

                                  

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Assessment se sample pages

                                  

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teks checklists

The TEKS Checklists combine an in-depth understanding of the TEKS along with vertically aligned expectations from surrounding grade levels. This tool was developed by teachers for teachers as a must-have road map! Wondering what to do for RtI? The vertical alignment helps to understand the concepts that were taught in the previous grade to determine a place to start. The TEKS Checklist cards are designed to make sure all aspects of the TEKS are covered in both classroom instruction, as well as, assessments.


TEKS Breakdown for ALL TEKS

Vertical alignment for each TEKS

Essentials with pointers and tips for each TEKS


                                                       

Power Reviews

The Power Review Books are designed to be used as a two-week review prior to the STAAR Test.  The Review Books focus on Readiness Standards using engaging activities, formative assessments centered on Readiness Standards and Reporting Category Assessments.  The activities are designed to allow students opportunities to process in-depth learning through reflection pages, journaling, and key items to remember.  Facilitating questions, teacher's notes, and Pacing Guides help teachers stay on track and focus on the TEKS when reviewing with the students.

Two-Week review

Focused on the Readiness Standards to maximize student success.

Engaging activities

Every activity is focused on the verb, concept, and methods of implementation as defined by the specificity within the TEKS.

formative assessments

These assessments are written to the specificity and complexity of the TEKS and formatted exactly as they will see them on the STAAR Test.

Extensive teacher notes

Teachers are provided with explicit instructions for each activity and facilitating questions to ensure every activity is targeting the core of the TEKS.

Day by day pacing guides

Teachers can focus on student achievement since the day-to-day plans are provided.

Journaling and Things to remember

Students reinforce learning and make deeper connections to the concepts by answering journal questions and writing down the things they need to remember for each Readiness standard.