Work like standardized test passages should occur outside core instruction time.
Work like standardized test passages should occur outside core instruction time.Throughout the implementation of the instructional program across grades K–5, students are applying the Texas Essentials Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards through authentic learning tasks that embed listening to learn, speaking to share, and writing to connect opportunities for knowledge building. The TEKS addressed in core instruction do support working toward mastery of state standards connected to state assessments.
We suggest additional minutes outside of the core instruction block to add additional practice. Core instruction is 120 minutes in K–3 and 90 minutes in 4–5. Teachers should plan for another 30–60 minutes of intervention that would provide targeted, individualized instruction based on student needs.