Special Teachers for Elementary and Middle School Science and Mathematics The University of Maryland System, in collaboration with Morgan State University, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Prince George's County is designing, implementing, and evaluating an innovative interdisciplinary program to prepare teachers who can provide exemplary mathematics and science instruction in elementary and middle schools. Design and development of the project's course and field experience components are being guided by the following basic principles. 1) Teachers should learn science and mathematics through instruction that models the practices they are being expected to employ during their teaching careers. 2) Courses and field experiences should integrate science and mathematics so that teachers will know and can take advantage of the connections between individual disciplines. 3) Teacher training programs should include substantial field experiences that engage the prospective teachers in the genuine research activities of business, industrial or scientific institutions and the science and mathematics education activities conducted by science centers, zoos or museums. 4) Teachers should develop their ability to use modern technologies as standard tools for research and problem solving as well as for imaginative classroom instruction. 5) Field experiences should be provided in school settings that enroll children of below average and average ability, as well as those in gifted and talented programs. 6) Teachers should receive sustained support during the critical first years of their induction to the teaching profession. Throughout the five year development period, continual formative evaluation, research on the process of teacher education, and a variety of dissemination activities are being conducted to inform others of the outcomes of this emerging model of teacher preparation.***//
