Math and Science Scholars at Texas A&M University

Timothy P. ScottDean, College of ScienceTexas A&M University

Kit Price BlountTxCETP Project DirectorTAMU-Corpus ChristiTeacher Prep PI Meeting

March 14, 2004

Math and Science Scholars (MASS) Program

A collaboration to recruit and prepare the best and brightest to become the next generation

of Mathematics and Science Educators

Current trends indicate an increasingly high need for qualified teachers in math and science

Traditional programs are not meeting the need

Innovative approach (adapted from UTeach model)

MASS Project Goals

• Increase the number of quality teacher education candidates

• Enhance and enrich the classroom settings in which teacher education students are mentored

• Build awareness and provide incentives for mathematics and science teaching

MASS Partners

Funding Partners• Texas A&M System Regents’ Initiative (initial program start-up)

• Sid W. Richardson Foundation (mentor teachers, some fee waivers, and staff)

• Deans’ Discretionary Funds – College of Education and Science (fee waivers)

• Texas Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (TxCETP) (Year 2 scholarships)

• Information Technology in Science Center (ITS) - National Science Foundation – Noyce Foundation (Yr3/Yr4 scholarships)

School District Partners• Bryan Independent School District• College Station Independent School District

MASS Recruitment and Preparation

Recruitment Dean’s Welcome Letter New Student Conference Tuition Waivers Field Experience

Preparation TEFB 201/INST 210 MASS Mentor Teachers Scholarships

Course Components of MASS (Baccalaureate Program)

Fall Spring

Freshman Intro to Adolescents

$: Dean’s Discrectionary

tuition/fees 1 hr course

Understanding Spec. Pops

$: TxCETP

tuition/fees 3 hr course

Sophomore TxCETP Scholars

$500

Teaching & Schooling in Modern Society

$: TxCETP

$500

Junior Teaching Skills I

$: Noyce/ITS

$3750

Teaching Skills II

$: Noyce/ITS

$3750

Senior Science Methods

$: Noyce/ITS

$3750

Student Teaching

$: Noyce/ ITS

$3750

MASS Achievements

•Enrollment Year 1 (2001–2002)37 enrolled 60% retainedYear 2 (2002–2003)69 enrolled 60% retainedYear 3 (2003–2004)80 enrolled 75% retained

•Texas Exemplary Partnership Award recognized at 2002 Governor’s Conference on Science and Mathematics Education

•Article submitted for publication in national science education journal - Math and Science Scholars (MASS) Program: A Model for the Recruitment and Retention of Preservice Mathematics and Science Teachers

•TxCETP and ITS Noyce Scholarship Recipients

Establishing a Program

• Decide audience (science and/or mathematics majors)

• Major departments to involve

• Routes to certification available (traditional, postbaccalaureate, alternative)

• Decide on logo and recruiting outlets

• Coordinate recruitment* among players (Colleges of Science & Education)

• Establish learning community

Challenges & Opportunities

• Insure access to teacher certification courses• Science faculty buy in• Tracking and Advising Students

– Student progress/success– Students changing majors

• Continued Funding• Expand MASS to incorporate an induction years

mentoring program

Math and Science Scholars (MASS) Program

For More Information…

Visit the MASS Website at:

http://mass.tamu.edu