Foundations of Mathematics IV: Teacher Development and Policy

Catalog description

Nature and study of teacher education and professional development programs and projects coupled with policy and impact in mathematics education. MTHED 504 Foundations of Mathematics IV: Teacher Development and Policy (3) One of the principal day-to-day responsibilities of mathematics educators is teaching of content and pedagogy courses for prospective teachers. This work often leads to opportunities for leadership through professional development courses and projects with in-service teachers and to consulting work with local, state, and national school, governmental, and professional organizations concerned about educational policy. Effective work in these arenas requires knowledge and practical skills about professional development and institutional change as well as awareness of policies and the role of policy in influencing practice.Students study research and practice in teacher education and professional development of mathematics teachers. They come to know the research and the issues that confront those who prepare teachers and support teachers' continued professional development. Students become familiar with governmental and professional organizations and the critical issues that impact the direction of mathematics education. They also learn how to study local, state, and national policies and publications.This course would be one of four required Mathematics Education courses for all doctoral students in the Mathematics Emphasis Area/Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. program. [The other required courses are MTHED 501 Foundations of Mathematics Education I: Learning; MTHED 502 Foundations of Mathematics Education II: Teaching; and MTHED 503 Foundations of Mathematics Education III: Curriculum.]In addition to participation in class discussions, students in this course would be expected to articulate a policy regarding a critical issue in mathematics education, evaluate a teacher education or professional development program, propose a professional development or teacher education project, and complete a final examination. Course grades depend on students' performance on all of these measures.