Update on Mathematics Specialist Proposal

[jane.w...@gmail.com]

I wanted to update everyone on where we are at with the proposal for
Mathematics Specialist.
I met with the Pennsylvania Dept of Education, Bureau of Teacher
Certification folks regarding the process for submitting a proposal
and the need for such a certification. They are suggesting we submit
the proposal as a Program Specialist Certification (similar to the ESL
certification). We can identify competencies, recommended
prerequisites, and completion requirements. Based on most of the
feedback from the Google Group and the PDE folks, it looks as if the
proposal will suggest a prereq of 3 years teaching experience and will
require 18-24 credits including a field-based practicum. The
Mathematics Specialist will have the knowledge, skills and
competencies to work with K-12 mathematics teachers.
We have submitted a survey to send to the 500 PA school districts to
assess the status of mathematics coaches/specialists in PA and the
need for mathematics specialists. Once we receive feedback from the
survey (anticipated date Aug 16), we will complete the proposal for
the Program Specialist in Mathematics Certification and submit it to
PDE.
Pauline Chow (President PCTM) and I met with Senator Piccola's office
last week to inform them about the need for a mathematics specialist
certification and to request their support of the proposal. They were
very much in support of the need for mathematics specialists to work
with teachers and to promote high-quality mathematics instruction
across PA schools.
I will keep you up to date as things progress.
Please continue to pass this information along to colleagues and
mathematics teachers across the state for their input and support.
Jane

[Kathleen Schanbacher]

I fear K-12 will be too large a span to "specialize." Good luck with the proposal. I would have gone K-6, 6-12.

Kathy

[CIC Mercyhurst team]

I think this is terrific.

On Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 1:56 PM, jm...@psu.edu <jane.w...@gmail.com> wrote: