A4. Curriculum: Math
Candidates at the undergraduate level, the M.Ed. level, and the M.A.T. level at the University of Louisiana Monroe effectively use reform mathematics content and pedagogy in instruction and assessment. Included in this instruction is the use of manipulatives where candidates extrapolate these applications of content to real life situations. In the undergraduate methods’ classes, ELED 342/442 and ELED 441/443, candidates also conduct peer teaching where lesson plans require the use of manipulatives for activities along with specific types of assessment. One specific component of the lesson plan distinctly requires a candidate to justify the relevance of the content to past, present and future applications of learning. Additionally, written math/social studies and math/science units for these classes that are taught in local schools are signature pieces and are placed on TaskStream, the university assessment system. These units include lesson plans, pre/posttest data of student work samples, weekly logs of teaching, data analysis with comprehensive explanations, and candidates’ dispositions.
The M.A.T. and M.Ed. candidates also place their signature pieces, the mathematics/science units, on TaskStream. These signature pieces, the math/science units, contain these identical components. Thus, candidates develop an awareness of numerous manipulatives and utilize them in their redesigned mathematics courses, redesigned elementary mathematics methodology courses, and field experiences in local schools.
(Exhibit 1c1.1 Undergraduate Signature Assessment Description, Rubrics and Data)
(Exhibit 1b1.1 MAT Signature Assessment Description, Rubric & Data)
(Exhibit 1b2.1 M.Ed. Signature Assessment, Description, Rubric & Data)