This middle school mathematics and science preservice teacher education program builds on existing secondary and elementary teacher education programs. Certification with middle school science or mathematic endorsements will be possible at either the elementary or secondary level. At the elementary level, 36 semester hours of science or 27 semester hours of mathematics courses will be required. This will be accomplished by redirecting up to 20 semester hours from education courses to science and mathematics content courses. At the secondary level, 20 of the 52 semester hours of science content courses will be specific to the middle school, in addition to two specially designed psychology courses. Other specially designed program elements will include: laboratory sections for existing science courses; three capstone courses in earth, biological, and physical sciences; companion methodology courses coupled with appropriately placed field experiences, a mentor teacher system, and informal learning activities incorporating applied mathematics and science concepts from "the real world" developed for the new programs. A special mathematics modeling and a mathematics history course will be developed to be used in both mathematics tracks. In all, fifteen new courses will be developed: 3 in science, 2 in mathematics, 2 in psychology , 2 in methods, and 6 for field experiences. The project takes advantage of an existing Entry-Year Assistance Program in Oklahoma to provide support to graduates during their first year and feed back to the university on the effectiveness of the new programs. The project director, a science educator is joined by an applied mathematician and an inorganic chemist, these two people will serve as co-directors. The project staff draws heavily from the disciplinary departments of the university and local school systems.
