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“The mathematics preparation of elementary … teachers must be strengthened as one means for improving teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. … A critical component of this recommendation is that teachers be given ample opportunities to learn mathematics for teaching … teachers must know in detail and from a more advanced perspective the mathematical content they are responsible for teaching … both prior to and beyond the level they are assigned to teach.”
Source: NMAP Report (2008)
“The mathematics preparation of elementary … teachers must be strengthened as one means for improving teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. … A critical component of this recommendation is that teachers be given ample opportunities to learn mathematics for teaching … teachers must know in detail and from a more advanced perspective the mathematical content they are responsible for teaching … both prior to and beyond the level they are assigned to teach.”
Source: NMAP Report (2008)
Common Core State Standards
Some content shifts to earlier grades
Focus on conceptual understanding
Focus on “mathematical practices”- Problem solving - Strategic Use of Tools- Reasoning - Precision- Justification - Structure- Modeling - Generalization
ChallengeStrengthening content expertise for
teaching mathematics in elementary schools.
Elementary Mathematics SpecialistsBackground, Initiatives, & Directions
Nicole Miller Rigelman
Portland State University
Why Elementary Mathematics Specialists (EMS)?
“Given that there are over 2 million elementary teachers, the problem of raising the mathematical proficiency of all elementary teachers is so enormous as to be beyond comprehension. A viable alternative is to produce a much smaller corps of mathematics teachers with strong content knowledge who would be solely in charge of teaching mathematics at least beginning with grade 4.” (p. 14)
Source: Wu, 2009
“the use of teachers who have specialized in elementary mathematics teaching could be a practical alternative to increasing all elementary teachers’ content knowledge (a problem of huge scale) by focusing the need for expertise on fewer teachers” (p. 44).
Source: NMAP Report, 2008
Who are EMS?
Elementary teachers with special expertise (knowledge and skills) and interest in helping students learn mathematics. This expertise extends well beyond what is normally acquired through initial teacher preparation and classroom teaching experience.
Currently…
EMS professionals work in schools/districts are asked to do a variety of tasks:
Coach/mentor other teachersServe as teacher leader/coordinator
in school/districtTeach multiple classes of elementary
studentsTeach special groups of students
(remedial, enrichment, pull-out or in-class)
What’s needed?
Programs to support the development and work of EMS professionals
Evaluation of models and impact, replication of effective models
Certification/endorsement of EMS professionals
AMTE’s work to date…
Support development and implementation of programs for EMS professionals (preparation, ongoing pd).
Advocate for certification programs to encourage and acknowledge EMS preparation.
Stimulate research on impact of various kinds of EMS programs.
AMTE’s work to date…
Support development and implementation of programs for EMS professionals (preparation, ongoing pd).Develop the EMS Standards (released January 2010)Release joint EMS Position Paper (May 2010)
Advocate for certification programs to encourage and acknowledge EMS preparation.
Stimulate research on impact of various kinds of EMS programs.
AMTE’s work to date…
Support development and implementation of programs for EMS professionals (preparation, ongoing pd).Develop the EMS Standards (released January 2010)Release joint EMS Position Paper (May 2010)
Advocate for certification programs to encourage and acknowledge EMS preparation.Host a State Certification Conference (June 2010)Support states as they implement their Action Plans
Stimulate research on impact of various kinds of EMS programs.
Why is state-level Certification for EMS important?
EMS knowledge/expertise does not necessarily develop as a consequence of preservice program and teaching experience.
Recognition (and use) of EMS expertise would be heightened by state-level certification/licensure.
Colleges/universities are more likely to build and offer EMS programs if state certification exists.
State Certification for EMS
Currently 12 states offer professional designations for elementary mathematics specialists …
Arizona, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia.
with several other states in the process of adding EMS certification.
Next Steps
Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists (EMS)
A Reference for Teacher Credentialing and Degree
Programs
Areas of Knowledge/Expertise for EMS
Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Pedagogical Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Leadership Knowledge and Skills
Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Deep understanding of mathematics for grades K–81.
Further specialized mathematics knowledge for teaching.
1 Based on recommendations in Mathematics Education of Teachers Report (2001) and Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) Report (2007).
Pedagogical Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Learners and learning
Teaching
Curriculum and assessment
Leadership Knowledge and Skills
Professional Resources
Communication
Policy
Professional development
Equity
Prerequisites
Teacher certification
At least three years of successful mathematics teaching experience
Program Guidelines
24 semester hours (or appropriate equivalent) spanning all of the program components outlined in the standards.
Includes supervised mathematics practicum – working with a range of students (e.g., primary, intermediate, struggling, gifted, English language learners), teachers (novice and mid-career) and professional development settings.
Return to AMTE’s work to date
Next Steps
Develop an Oregon EMS certification/endorsement.
Conduct and disseminate research regarding the impact of EMS professionals
Develop and offer programs to prepare EMS professionals.
Support EMS professionals.
