January 15, 2025 by Staff News

Math and science competition sets tone for STEM learning

Last fall, more than 90 schools and 1,300 students in elementary through high school competed in the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association Invitational academic competition that stresses math and science.

TMSCA provides students the opportunity to practice UIL math and science contests through grade level and team competitions. Sponsored by the Dallas ISD Student Activities Department, the invitational meets mark the beginning of TMSCA competitions for the year.

Kendall Russo, the TMSCA coach at Everette L. Degolyer Elementary School, said the invitational is a good way for students to increase confidence and engagement.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the competition positively impacts my students,” she said. “Through their participation, they’ve developed a love for learning, embraced challenges with enthusiasm, and built a strong sense of pride in themselves and representing their school.”

For the first time ever, interest was so high for Dallas ISD that TMSCA had to hold two Invitational TMSCA Meets to allow everyone to participate. The participating schools were divided into six groups to accommodate the large number of students vying to rank in the top 10 places of each event.

STEM students will participate in online and in-person invitational meets for the remainder of the school year as they prepare for their regional, state, and UIL competitions.

Julie Majewski-Smith, TMSCA executive director, said all students who participated understand that the ability to perform well on standardized tests is an invaluable skill..

“TMSCA improves students’ skills in taking timed standardized tests and teaches them to work under pressure,” Majewski-Smith said. “Participation instills in students an increased sense of pride in academic achievement.”

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