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Science Competency Texas Style

Ohanian Comment: Here is a message I received from a Texas parent. It is typical of the many pleas for help that I get.

Most of the released questions from the TEKS involve interpreting charts and graphs but here are a few questions that don't.


* The pineal gland produced melatonin during periods of darkness. Which of these events supports the hypoethesis that infants begin producing melatonin at about three months of age?

a) Infants begin to roll over.
b) Infants nap for three hours each afternoon.
c) Infants grasp at moving objects.
d) Infants start sleeping through the night.


*The colorful petals of a flower benefit a plant by--

a) Absorbing radiant energy
b) attracting insect pollinators
c) protecting it from pedators
d) catching windblown pollen

*Which group is most responsible for the recycling of atoms within the environment?

a) Autotrophs
b) Consumers
c) Phototrophs
d) Decomposers

*Which organelle has the most control over a cell's functions?

a) Cell membrane
b) Ribosomes
c) Nucleus
d) Vacuole

*Which relationship is represented when a hyena eats a rodent it has caught?

a) Scavenger/carrion
b) Herbivore/consumer
c) Predator/prey
d) Host/parasite
and on and on an on.

How many Standardisto corporate-politicos could pass such a test? To what possible use can the information memorized for such a test be put?


by a Texas parent

My daughter is a senior with a B+ average. We should be celebrating her graduation in late May, but we're not. My daughter was unable to pass Science TAKS and will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

We are devastated. She made really good grades every year. Why didn't that translate
over to her TAKS scores?

Parents, pay attention! She went to tutoring, she took the test every time it was offered and no, she's never had an attendance or behavior problem.

This could happen to you. We never thought this would happen to our daughter either.
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— Texas parent
e-mail
2006-05-23


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