Blooms, TAKS, TEKS, & "Level of Thinking"

CURRICULUM PLANNING WITH A PURPOSE

The Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) for each curriculum area are built on Student Expectations using Blooms Verbs or Verb Phrases.
The level at which a student is expected to perform is identified by this Verb Phrase.
The Level of Thinking required to achieve this performance level MUST be at least one to two levels above the level of expected performance.

EXAMPLE: §126.25. Digital Graphics/Animation (One Credit).

(1) Foundations. The student demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of hardware components, software programs, and their connections. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate knowledge (Blooms Knowledge-->Comprehension Level) and appropriate use (Blooms Application Level) of operating systems, software applications, and communication and networking components;

(B) compare, contrast, and appropriately use (Blooms Analysis Levels) the various input, processing, output, and primary/secondary storage devices;

(C) make decisions (Blooms Analysis Level) regarding the selection, acquisition, and use of software taking under consideration its quality, appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency;

(D) delineate and make necessary adjustments (Blooms Synthesis Level) regarding compatibility issues including, but not limited to, digital file formats and cross platform connectivity;

(E) use the vocabulary as it relates (Blooms Application-->Analysis) to digital graphics and animation software;

(F) distinguish between and correctly use process (Blooms Analysis--->Synthesis) color (RGB and CYMK), spot color, and black/white;

(G) identify color mixing theories and apply these theories (Blooms Application) to the creation of new colors in the digital format;

(H) compare, contrast, and integrate the basic sound editing principles (Blooms Synthesis---->Evaluation) including the addition of effects and manipulation of wave forms;

These Student Expectations generally move up the Blooms Hierarchy as we move from Student Expectation A to Student Expectation C,D,E,F, etc.

RULES of THUMB for EXCELLENT CURRICULUM

Any Blooms Verb or Verb phrase that indicates a level of Application or above, must be carefully identified as having a potential for becoming a project-based curriculum piece.

Any Student Expectation that requires Analysis, Synthesis, or Evaluation must be taught over TIME.

When the Student Expectation requires a certain level of performance on the Blooms Taxonomy, the student must be taught using strategies that engage the student at least one to two levels of thinking above that Blooms verb.

All activities must be correlated with the correct "Level of Thinking" to ensure that the student performs at the proper level of expectation.

All assessments must be based on the Student Expectation's "level of thinking" or above for the student to be successful with the TAKS (Tested TEKS) Assessment.

SIX MAJOR STRANDS RUNNING THROUGH ALL CORE CURRICULUM

Interpersonal Skills

Thinking Skills

Information Skills

Resource Skills

Technology Skills

Personal Qualities

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