The goal of this series of guides is to show Texas educators what components of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum are eligible for testing on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) and end-of-course tests. This middle school guide contains information for subjects tested in grades 6 through 8. The sections are: (1)…

In this article, the authors show how oceanography can enlighten and energize the teaching of middle- and high-school social studies on a grade-by-grade basis, and they describe "hooks" from oceanography that will heighten students' interest in various social studies topics. They base the article on their own experiences--as a…

This teaching guide for the Skills for Living course, designed for 7th and 8th grade students in Texas, provides opportunities to explore family relationships and personal development, personal management, and planning for the future. Emphasis is on the importance of the family, effective communication skills, management skills, getting along with…

This curriculum guide for middle school teachers contains eight units that correspond to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Career Orientation. The units cover the following topics: (1) career planning foundations (interests, aptitudes, and attitudes); (2) locating, analyzing, and applying career information (including information…