Temple ISD Awarded TxCSI Grant to Fund Advancements in Science Teaching and Learning

TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District is working to transform its science learning and teaching and is receiving assistance towards reaching that goal after being awarded a Texas Collaborative for Science Innovation (TxCSI) grant for the 2023-2024 school year.

Temple ISD is one of just thirteen districts across the state to be part of the TxCSI and TISD will receive a $40,000 grant to help the district revamp its vision for science and develop action plans for implementing change to prepare for new state standards and science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or TEKS. The goal of the program is to transform science teaching and learning to the point where every student, every day, is DOING science. In Temple ISD’s grant application, the district’s stated goal is ‘to cultivate a collaborative culture that immerses all students in innovative learning experiences and provides opportunities for scientific discovery through a focus on real-world phenomena, anchored in student ownership and inquiry.’ The grant money is designated to help cover costs of laboratory materials, professional development opportunities, conference attendance and materials and supplies to support district and campus science departments.

“We are so grateful for the support that TxCSI has provided our science leadership team,” said Dr. Renota Rogers, Executive Director of Secondary Education for Temple ISD. “Through our learning experiences, we will be able to provide our science teachers with quality resources, coaching, and support that they need to implement the new science TEKS which are anchored in phenomena-based learning. Our vision includes creating a learning environment in which all of our students engage in experiences that require them to think like scientists, ask questions, discover, and support their claims as they learn about the world around them. These skills strengthen students in the area of STEM but are transferrable across content areas and beyond the classroom.”

Participation in the TxCSI will also allow Temple ISD to participate in professional learning and coaching, building systems of support to continuously improve instruction, partner with other districts across the state and join a statewide movement for improved science curricular materials. The TxCSI is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

“I am so proud of our science leadership team! Under the leadership of Dr. Renota Rogers, this team has committed to become experts in the new science standards and approaches to innovative science instruction so they can lead and support our teachers and students during the state’s implementation of these changes,” said Dr. Lisa Adams, Deputy Superintendent of Academics and School Leadership for Temple schools. “Their commitment to excellence was recognized by state leaders and resulted in this grant that benefits students and staff. I am so excited to see our staff leading across the state in the area of science.”