The Middle School Mathematics Program (MSMP) in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics consists of eight graduate mathematics courses specifically designed for teachers who desire to teach middle school mathematics. Upon successful completion of this program, Mth 590 - Mth 596 and Mth 510 (24 credit hours), a Graduate Certificate is awarded. If desired, the graduate credit received can also be applied towards an M.A. or M.S. in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Graduate School of Education. The program provides a broad mathematics background appropriate for middle school teachers, a familiarity with the current middle school curriculum ideas, and a sensitivity to the special characteristics and needs of early adolescents.

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 certificate program consists of the following eight (8) mathematics courses: 

Projected Schedule

• During the academic year courses are offered on Thursday afternoons from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
• With careful planning it is possible to complete the program in 3 consecutive summers, 2 academic years and the intervening summer, or 3 academic years.
• To add a Middle School Math Endorsement to an Oregon Teaching License one must submit a passing score on the PRAXIS Area Test: Middle School Math Content (20069).
• Students who wish to enroll in these courses as part of their undergraduate program can enroll in these courses at the 400-level (Mth 490 - Mth 496 and Mth 410).

The admission requirements are:

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 (College Algebra) and Mth 211 (Foundations of Elementary Mathematics I) 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 MSMP may be applied toward an M.A. or M.S. in that department.

To apply to this program please submit the following materials directly to the PSU Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

1. PSU Graduate Certificate Program Application form
   http://www.gsr.pdx.edu/forms/certapp.pdf
   
2. Letter or statement of intent
3. Official transcripts for all previous collegiate course work
4. $50.00 application fee

The course content and instructional practices of the Middle School Math Program are consistent with the mathematical reform recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America.

The MSMP 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

For more information call or write:

Joe Ediger (telephone: 503-725-3651; e-mail: ediger@pdx.edu)

Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207

or visit the Department web page at www.mth.pdx.edu.