What is the main purpose of the TEKS in Texas?

The main purpose of the TEKS, or Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, is to identify what Texas students should know and be able to do at each grade level and in various subjects. The TEKS provides a comprehensive framework that outlines the academic standards for K-12 education across the state, ensuring that students are provided with a consistent and high-quality education. This focus on what students should learn helps teachers design their curricula and instruction effectively to meet these expectations, thereby aiming to prepare students for academic success and future endeavors.

While elements such as grading scales, teaching methods, and school year length are important aspects of education, they are not the primary function of the TEKS. The TEKS is specifically intended to delineate educational expectations rather than addressing other operational aspects of the education system.