CSUSM Single Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics

Dr. Linda Holt (760-750-4092, 335 Science Hall 2, lholt@csusm.edu) is the coordinator for the Mathematics Single Subject Matter Preparation Program.

You can either scroll down or jump directly to

·  Background

·  Program Mission, Philosophy and Candidate outcomes

·  Old Single Subject Preparation Programs in Mathematics

·  Course Requirements for the Single Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics

·  Portfolio Requirement for the Single Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics

·  Entrance Requirements for the Credential Program at CSUSM

Background

One of the purposes of education is to enable students to learn the important subjects of the school curriculum, including mathematics. Each year in California, more than one million students enroll in mathematics classes with teachers who are certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to teach those classes in public schools. The future well-being of California and the nation depends in part on how well these students learn to use mathematics thoughtfully and skillfully. Their ability to do so depends substantially on the quality of the teachers' preparation in mathematics, and in the teaching of mathematics.

The Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics authorizes an individual to teach mathematics classes in departmentalized settings. The holders of this credential may teach at any grade level, but departmentalized teaching of mathematics usually occurs in grades seven through twelve.

An applicant for a Single Subject Teaching Credential must demonstrate subject matter competence in one of two ways. The applicant may earn a passing score on a subject matter examination that has been adopted by the CTC. Alternatively, the prospective teacher may complete a subject matter preparation program that has been approved by the CTC. The CSUSM Single Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics described below was approved by the CTC in June, 2008.

In California, subject matter preparation programs for prospective teachers are not the same as undergraduate degree programs. Postsecondary institutions govern academic programs that lead to the award of degrees, including baccalaureate degrees in mathematics. The CTC sets standards for academic programs that lead to the issuance of credentials, including the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. An applicant for a teaching credential must have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but the degree may be in a subject different from the one to appear on the credential. Similarly, degree programs for undergraduate students in mathematics may or may not fulfill the Commission's standards for subject matter preparation. Completing an approved subject matter program that satisfies the standards enables a candidate to qualify for the Single Subject Credential in Mathematics.

Adapted from Mathematics Teacher Preparation in California: Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Subject Matter Programs, adopted and implemented by the CTC, 2005.

Mission

The Single Subject Matter Program in Mathematics at California State University San Marcos provides credential candidates with the mathematical training required to become successful secondary school teachers.

Program Philosophy

The SSMP in Mathematics at CSUSM is grounded in the belief that an effective teacher of mathematics is one who possesses a solid understanding of Mathematics, who enjoys and appreciates its beauty and utility, and has the ability to enthusiastically communicate mathematical concepts with clarity. To achieve this, the program provides students with a sequence of courses that allows them to move from a mastery of skills and knowledge to a deep understanding of the mathematical ideas behind most of the material they will be called upon to teach in secondary schools.

Candidate Outcomes

 A successful candidate of the SSMP program in Mathematics at CSUSM

 

  1. Has a solid understanding of the mathematics in the domains of Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Probability and Statistics, Calculus, and History of Mathematics, as required by the CTC;
  2. Has been exposed to mathematics in the K-12 classroom setting;
  3. Can read mathematics with understanding and communicate mathematical ideas with clarity and coherence;
  4. Can reason logically to conclusions and can use, construct and communicate various forms of logical argument;
  5. Can solve problems using mathematical models, computational techniques, and technology; and
  6. Is aware of the connections among mathematical ideas and between mathematics and other disciplines.

 

Old Single Subject Preparation Programs in Mathematics

The CTC requires all Single Subject Preparation Programs to be revised on a regular basis. Students following an old version of the Single Subject Preparation Program in Mathematics may continue with that program as it is described in the catalog with which they entered but they must complete all those requirements by July 1, 2009. New students and any students unable to finish ALL requirements by July 1, 2009 must now follow the CSUSM Single Subject Matter Preparation (SSMP) Program in Mathematics described below.

Course Requirements for the SSMP in Mathematics

The following document contains the course requirements for students following the SSMP in Mathematics (middle column), and for reference purposes also the course requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (left column.) Students following both the SSMP in Mathematics and the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics should consult the right column to see how best to coordinate these two courses of study.

Each course submitted toward the SSMP in Mathematics must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 in all coursework for the SSMP in Mathematics.

Portfolio Requirement for the SSMP in Mathematics

Students need to prepare a portfolio documenting their academic growth in mathematics. This portfolio is a required part of the process of being reviewed for successful completion of the SSMP in Mathematics. This review must be completed in order for your application to the credential program to be complete.

Portfolio Format:

A. The portfolio may be gathered in a notebook, folder, accordion file, or other format allowing all materials to be kept together.

B. The portfolio work must consist of at least four samples of graded class work (from homework, exams, projects, etc.) including:

  1. Two pieces of work that together serve to document your mathematical growth. These samples should be drawn from two courses taken in different semesters, and they should both deal with related subject material.
  2. An example of mathematical problem-solving.
  3. A sample of proof-writing.
  4. An example of computer-assisted mathematics (e.g., a computer program).

C. The chosen examples of work must be accompanied by a narrative explanation. The narrative must include:

  1. An explanation of the mathematical context of each included assignment written in the style as a presentation to someone presumed only to have a mathematical knowledge at the level of Calculus.
  2. Your reasons for choosing these particular assignments; in particular, what do you believe that they indicate about your mathematical skill?
  3. An assessment of how these assignments helped you to grow as a mathematician, and any ways that you feel they could have been improved to aid in your growth.
  4. A short essay linking the two items requested in B1 above, that should explaining how having already completed the earlier assignment helped you in doing the later assignment.

Portfolio Review Procedure:

A. Contact the Mathematics SSMP Coordinator to find out which faculty member will conduct your portfolio review.

B. Make an appointment with your reviewer and deliver the portfolio to that person one week before the appointment.

C. Meet with the reviewer to look over your portfolio together.

D. The reviewer fills out an assessment form to report to the Mathematics Department. The reviewer examines your portfolio to answer the following questions:

  1. Has the student acquired a broad background in mathematics that will prepare him or her for teaching?
  2. Has the student demonstrated intellectual growth and mastery of basic mathematical skills?
  3. Does the student have the ability to clearly communicate mathematical ideas?

E. The faculty member who reviews your portfolio will also check your records to make certain that you have completed the required coursework. If your evaluation is judged to be "unsatisfactory" you will be provided with information explaining what you need to do to reach a satisfactory evaluation.

Entrance Requirements for the Credential Program at CSUSM

Students planning to enroll in the CSUSM College of Education's Credential Program should be aware that even though only EDUC 350 is required for the Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics, the three courses EDUC 350, EDUC 364 (The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling), and EDUC 422 (Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning) are all part of the admission requirement to the CSUSM Credential Program. These students are advised to take EDUC 364 and EDUC 422 as elective courses.

Mathematics Department Home Page
College of Arts and Sciences Home Page
CSU, San Marcos Home Page