CSUSM Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics

Dr. Linda Holt (760-750-4092, 6229 Craven Hall, lholt@csusm.edu) is the coordinator for the Mathematics Subject Matter Preparation Program.

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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 Commission on Teacher Credentialing 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 Commission. Alternatively, the prospective teacher may complete a subject matter preparation program that has been approved by the Commission. Regionally accredited colleges and universities that wish to offer subject matter programs for prospective teachers must submit those programs to the Commission for approval. The CSUSM Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics described below was approved by the Commission in October, 1996.

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 Commission 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 may or may not fulfill the Commission's standards for subject matter preparation. Completing a 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 Preparation, adopted and implemented by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 1992

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing required all "Waiver programs" to be revised and redeveloped by 1995. Students who formerly followed the Single Subject Credential Waiver 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 January 1, 1998. All other students must now follow the CSUSM Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics described below.

							     Units
MATH 160 Calculus with Applications, I				5
MATH 162 Calculus with Applications, II				4
MATH 260 Calculus with Applications, III			4
MATH 330 Introduction to the History of  Mathematics		3
MATH 350 Foundations for Theoretical Mathematics		3
MATH 360 Foundations of Analysis				3
MATH 374 Linear Algebra						3
MATH 410 Modern Geometry					3
MATH 440 Mathematical Statistics				4
MATH 470 Introduction to Abstract Algebra			3

Choose one of the following:					3
MATH 262 Introduction to Differential Equations
MATH 362 Differential Equations

Choose one of the following:					3
MATH 372 Introduction to Number Theory
MATH 522 Number Theory

Choose one of the following:					3
MATH/CS 464 Numerical Analysis and Computing 
MATH 480 Introduction to Optimization

Choose one of the following:					3
MATH 472 Introduction to Graph Theory
MATH 474 Introduction to Combinatorics

Any MATH 410-599 approved for the mathematical science majors, 
and not already used for above requirements			3 

EDUC 350 Foundations of Teaching as a Profession		3



Total Units 			    			       53

Students will need to prepare a portfolio documenting their academic growth in mathematics. This portfolio will be a required part of the process of being reviewed for successful completion of the single subject preparation program in mathematics. You must complete this review in order for your application to the credential program to be complete.

Portfolio Format:

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

B. The portfolio work must consist of at least four samples of graded classwork (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 knowledge of mathematics 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. See the Mathematics Single Subject Program 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. This faculty member will then fill out an assessment form to report to the Mathematics Department. The reviewer will be examining 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.

Each course submitted toward the Subject Matter Preparation Program 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 the preparation program coursework.

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, both EDUC 350 and EDUC 364 (The Role of Cultural Diversity in Schooling) are part of the admission requirement to the CSUSM Credential Program. These students are advised to take EDUC 364 as an elective course.

Students following the programs for both the Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics and the Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences should follow this link to see how best to coordinate these two courses of study. You might find it useful to take a look at the sample schedule, which includes some useful information that will help you plan your course of study. You should consult regularly with the coordinator for the Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics.

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