The NEW K-8 Tech App TEKS and Free, Editable Spreadsheets

Teachers all over the U.S. are getting ready for summer! Who’s ready? *raises hand* Teachers in Texas are also preparing to implement several new TEKS in the upcoming school year. One area that got an update in 2022 was Technology Applications. Let’s look at the new K-8 Tech Apps TEKS to be implemented in August 2024. You’ll also get some free, editable spreadsheets that include “I can” statements.

What Are the TEKS?

In short, the TEKS are the curricular standards adopted by the Texas State Board of Education. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in each content area for each grade level. State-mandated tests are aligned with these standards to measure student achievement and skills acquisition. If you’d like to learn about other TEKS, take a look at these articles:

About the K-8 Tech App TEKS

The new K-8 Tech Apps TEKS were adopted in 2022 to be implemented in schools across Texas in August 2024. TEA has very clearly outlined the updates and revisions to these TEKS, and here are those updates summarized:

1. The Tech App TEKS are no longer presented in grade level bands (e.g., K-2). Each grade level has its own Tech App TEKS.

2. The knowledge and skills are organized into five strands with coordinating substrands that connect to real-world problems and encourage problem solving :

Strand 1: Computational thinking (new)
- Foundations
- Applications
Strand 2: Creativity and innovation
- Innovative Design Process
- Emerging Technologies (introduced in Grade 1)
Strand 3: Data literacy, management, and representation (new)
- Collect Data
- Organize, Manage, and Analyze Data (introduced in Grade 3)
- Communicate and Publish Results (introduced in Grade 2)
Strand 4: Digital citizenship
- Social Interactions
- Ethics and Laws
- Privacy, Safety, and Security
Strand 5: Practical technology concepts
- Processes (introduced in Grade 3)
- Skills and Tools

3. Communication and collaboration are woven throughout these TEKS.

4. The terms “with assistance” and “with or without technology” are included to clarify expectations regarding autonomy and technology use.

5. There is an emphasis on the fact that the Tech App TEKS can be integrated into all subject areas. Additionally, schools and districts have the freedom to use them in a “stand-alone course” or embed them within certain courses or subjects.

6. Within the standards, “such as” is used to illustrate examples, whereas “including” alludes to content that must be mastered.

For a breakdown of what is included in each grade level, you can see this slide deck published by TEA.

Screenshot by Emily Horn | **“Understanding the Updated in the Revised Technology Application TEKS** by TEA

Helpful TEKS Resources

Tech Apps TEKS Freebies from TCEA

As promised, here are some TCEA freebies for you! Below are links to editable spreadsheets for the K-8 Tech Apps TEKS. Within these spreadsheets, you will find a tab for the grade level TEKS and a second tab for “I Can” statements based on the TEKS. Feel free to make a copy of the spreadsheets and use them in whatever way would best benefit you. Is there something else TEKS-related that would be helpful? If so, let me know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.