Department of Education and Special Education - Graduate Degree

Curriculum and Instruction Specialist -  K-8 Mathematics

The K-8 Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction Specialist concentration is designed for the classroom teacher who wants to improve instructional skills as well as expand knowledge and skills in mathematics.  Virginia teachers at the elementary and middle school levels must possess a deep understanding of the mathematics they are teaching, an understanding of how it connects to higher levels of mathematics, and a skilful use of methods to guide students in the learning.  Well-prepared teacher leaders in a specialist’s role can have a significant influence on strengthening content, pedagogical, and assessment knowledge of those classroom teachers who are inadequately prepared to deliver significant mathematics programs.  They can also provide the professional development that is critical for improving instruction and student learning.  Applicants to this program must hold a valid Collegiate Professional Teaching License or equivalent from another state and have taught for a minimum of two (2) years.  Completion of this program may lead to the Postgraduate Professional License and an add-on endorsement as a K-8 Mathematics Specialist.

Development of the mathematics courses for this program is the result of a cooperative arrangement by the University of Virginia, the University of Mary Washington, James Madison University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Longwood University.  A consortium agreement with these partner institutions has established these five jointly developed core mathematics courses as transferable across member institutions.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER'S DEGREE:    

EDUC502        Research Design (3)
EDUC508        Introduction to Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3)
EDUC547        Instructional Media and Computer Technology in the Classroom (3)           
EDUC671        Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction and Instructional Programs (3)
EDUC699        Comprehensive Examination (0)

REQUIRED MATHEMATICS COURSES (21)

MAED623        Teaching Mathematics in Grades K-8 (3)                     
MAED650        Mathematics Specialist Leadership (3)
MATH651        Numbers and Operations for K-8 Teachers (3)
MATH653        Rational Numbers and Proportional Reasoning for K-8 Teachers (3)
MATH655        Functions and algebra for K-8 Teachers (3)
MATH657        Geometry and Measurement for K-8 Teachers (3)
MATH659        Probability and Statistics for K-8 Teachers (3)                                             

TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED: 33