Vision

Improving science and mathematics education in the schools and universities is the major goal of this program. This goal will be met through a variety of initiatives in graduate education and through an active program of research and practice.

Our graduate program is flexible enough to meet the needs of a variety of clients. The range of positions for which our graduates are prepared include: faculty positions in science and mathematics education located in departments of education, mathematics, or science; leadership positions in curriculum supervision, evaluation, policy, or technical assistance in systemic reform movements; faculty positions teaching content courses at community colleges; expert classroom teachers, researchers at independent research organizations, materials developers, or corporate program designers. This array of possible position makes it necessary to combine a core program with flexible alternative extensions.

Our vision for the program focuses on developing a modeling and project-based approach to instruction in mathematics and science. We provide our graduate students with a deep understanding of the richness and complexity of a variety of contexts in designing and implementing instruction in science and mathematics. This includes a focus on “big ideas,” and the design, use, and modification of a diverse set of technological tools. Such an approach relies on encouraging learners to actively express and develop and represent their ideas, to explore underlying structures while developing fluency and automaticity in basic skills and concepts, and to build a strong repertoire of justification, evidence, and proof.

Finally, it includes examinations of the cultural, historical, social, and critical dimensions of mathematical and scientific activity. Students’ preparation in mathematics and science is viewed as a means of opening opportunities to a range of careers in technologically-related fields. Helping them to envision and succeed in pursuing such options stimulates the program to unite practical and academic outcomes.