TA-TEKS
Technology Application TEKS Grades PK-12

SB 815 was passed during the 78th Legislative Regular Session in 2003 and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. SB 815 mandates, as a matter of accreditation, that school districts use the TA-TEKS when teaching all of the required curriculum (foundation and enrichment content areas).
Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.002

 
The Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) found in 19 TAC Chapter 126 describe what students should know and be able to do using technology. These TEKS are to be used when providing instruction in Technology Applications. The goal of the Technology Applications TEKS is for students to gain technology-based knowledge and skills and to apply them to all curriculum areas at all grade levels. There are four common strands for Grades K-12: Foundations, Information Acquisition, Work in Solving Problems, and Communication.
 
Prekindergarten Guidelines Children learn the basic functions of the computer and related technologies. They develop techniques for handling and controlling various input devices, and become increasingly confident and independent users of age-appropriate software programs.  
Grades K-2 Students gain basic skills such as inputting information, beginning touch keyboarding and becoming familiar with the computer. Using technology, students access information that can include text, audio, video, and graphics. They use computers and related technology to make presentations and prepare projects for foundation curriculum areas. Adobe (.pdf)
Grades 3-5 Students use proper keyboarding techniques and acquire information by selecting the most appropriate search strategies. Students use word processing, graphics, databases, spreadsheets, simulations, multimedia, and telecommunications. They solve problems and communicate information in various formats and to a variety of audiences and evaluate their results. Adobe (.pdf)
Grades 6-8 Students become fluent in using multiple software applications and applying them across the curriculum. They build on the Grades 3-5 knowledge and skills. The students continue to demonstrate keyboarding proficiency in technique and posture while building speed. The TEKS can be taught integrated into other areas (such as English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science), as a separate class, or both. Adobe (.pdf)
Grades 9-12 Students have a variety of options from the adopted courses which allow for growth, specialization, integration into other curriculum areas, and preparation for the technological world. The high school courses in Technology Applications, Chapter 126 include:
Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, and Independent Study in Technology Applications.		 Adobe (.pdf)
 

TA-TEKS Benchmarks

 

 
Technology Applications Impacts All Teachers

Technology Applications Impacts All School Librarians

  • School Library guidelines including many references to teaching Technology Applications TEKS (information literacy and integration of technology across the curriculum)

 
The importance of students meeting the technology literacy benchmarks for acquiring and integrating the Technology Applications TEKS across the curriculum are paramount in leading to success in meeting the curriculum goals for Texas students and meeting the requirements of No Child Left Behind, Title II, Part D for technology literacy and integration.
 

Texas Education Agency TA-TEKS Website