SECTION 126.8. Technology Applications, Grade 3, Adopted 2022

(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.

Source Note: The provisions of this §126.8 adopted to be effective August 7, 2022, 47 TexReg 4518