Portland-State-University 2020-2021 Bulletin

Mathematics Instructional Leader - Grades 6-12 Specialization

The Mathematical Instructional Leader: Grades 6-12 Program in the College of Education consists of graduate mathematics content, pedagogy, and leadership courses and a practicum specifically designed for teachers, teacher leaders, and coaches. The goals of the program are to offer a comprehensive mathematics education experience that:

  • Deepens mathematical content knowledge including the specialized knowledge needed for teaching mathematics and the development of mathematical ideas across the grades.

  • Attends to both content and pedagogy and the ways that teaching supports the learning of content.

  • Develops expertise in using and helping others use effective instructional practices centered on students’ mathematical thinking.

  • Increases ability to support school and district efforts that help all students learn important mathematics.


Upon completion of the Grades 6-12 Specialization, program completers are eligible for recommendation to TSPC to add the specialization to their license. Per TSPC, “A specialization is distinguished from an endorsement in that a specialization is not required to teach or work in the specialized area, whereas an endorsement is required to work in the subject-matter area.”

Degree Requirements

(choose three+)

Mathematics Content-Focused Methods Courses

CI 540 and CI 541 are designed specifically for 6-12 teachers, the others are for K-12 teachers. Choose three or more courses based on diagnostic assessment.
CI 540Modeling with and Using Representations in Mathematics

3

CI 541Reasoning and Proving Across Mathematics

3

CI 513Enhancing Algebraic Thinking: Generalization about Operations

3

CI 514Enhancing Algebraic Thinking: Patterns and Functions

3

CI 515Developing Geometric Thinking and Concepts

3

CI 516Exploring Measurement Concepts

3

Advanced Mathematics Methods Course

CI 518Implementing Mathematics Reform

3

Mathematics Leadership Focused Courses

CI 519Mathematics Leadership: Influencing and Facilitating Improvement

3

CI 521Practicum: Mathematics Leadership

1-3

If desired, the graduate credit received can be applied toward an M.A., M.S., or Ed.D. in the Department of Curriculum & Intruction in the Graduate School of Education.

For more information see: http://www.pdx.edu/ci/deepening-math