Mathematics for Middle School Mathematics Teachers Graduate Certificate

Admission

Program prerequisites

1. Completed B.A. or B.S. degree.

2. GPA: 3.0 cumulative undergraduate, or 3.0 for upper division courses, or 3.0 in all graduate credit courses (a minimum of 12 credits).

3. Completion of Mth 111 and Mth 112 (College Algebra/Trigonometry) and Mth 211, Mth 212, Mth 213 (Foundations of Elementary Mathematics) or the equivalent.

The admission requirements are consistent with admission to graduate study in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education. If admitted to graduate study in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the graduate credits of the GCMS may be applied toward an M.A. or M.S. in that department (please see an adviser in the School of Education for this option).

Instructions on how to apply: if you are not already enrolled in a graduate degree program at Portland State University: http://www.pdx.edu/math/graduate-admissions.  If you are currently a graduate student and wish to add the certificate to your program, please submit a Request for Change of Major form (GO-19M for master's degree students and GO-19D for doctoral students). These forms are found on the Office of Graduate Studies website. The form must be signed by your current department's Chair before submitting it to the mathematics and statistics department.

Program Goals, Objectives:

The goals of the middle school mathematics certificate program are to offer a comprehensive mathematics program that:

• Directly relates the content of mathematics courses for pre- and in-service teachers to the mathematical content appropriate for middle school students.

• Is geared to the special characteristics of the student population of an urban university, and takes advantage of the varied resources found in an urban setting.

• Models a philosophy of teaching and learning mathematics that is consistent with current recommendations for effective instruction in middle school classrooms.

The course content and instructional practices of this graduate certificate program are consistent with the mathematical reform recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America.

The GCMS gives teachers an opportunity to enrich and broaden their mathematics background and to experience an environment that models the way we believe middle school mathematics should be taught. That is, teaching prospective middle school teachers in the manner that we would expect them to teach mathematics in middle school classrooms. In our courses we try to practice the following:

• Problem solving activities that promote exploration and experimentation and which allow students to construct (and reconstruct) mathematical understanding and knowledge.

• Use of models, concrete materials, diagrams, and sketches that promote visual reasoning as well as symbolic deductive modes of thought.

• Development of multiple strategies or approaches to problems - discussing and listening to how others think about a concept, problem, or idea.

• Small group work and cooperative learning.

• Extensive use of writing on mathematical investigations and problem summaries.

• Written communication between instructors and individual students.

• Multiple methods of assessment.

• Developing an awareness of one's own mathematical thought processes (and feelings about mathematics) and those of others.

• Supportive and cooperative class environment.

Core requirements

The certificate program consists of the following eight (8) mathematics courses totaling 24 credits.

Courses