The Algebra Initiative of the Chicago Public Schools is a program to prepare CPS teachers in elementary and middle grade schools to teach a rigorous algebra course to qualified 8th grade students. Three universities, DePaul University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, are collaborating with CPS in offering inservice programs in the academic year to CPS teachers. Teachers successfully completing one of the university programs are eligible to take the joint qualifying exam, offered at the conclusion of the programs, to become CPS-qualified to teach algebra in the 8th grade.

The Algebra Initiative program at UIC is a two-semester sequence given in the fall and spring semesters of the 2005-06 academic year. Teachers who would like to prepare for teaching algebra in the 8th grade and teachers of lower grades, who are interested in preparing their students to qualify for taking algebra in the 8th grade, are encouraged to participate in the Algebra Initiative. Generous tuition subsidies are available from CSMI.

MTHT 465 - Teaching Algebra for Understanding: Special Section for the CPS Algebra Initiative Special Section for CPS Algebra Initiative

The course, which is part of the CPS Algebra Initiative, is the first of a 2-semester sequence for teachers in elementary and middle grade schools interested in offering algebra in 8th grade to qualified students. The course is designed for preparing teachers to teach:

• a rigorous 8th grade algebra course, and/or
• lower grades mathematics so as to build students' foundations in algebraic thinking.

Topics included are the structure of algebra, linear equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations, arithmetic sequences, and using algebra to model problems. Problem solving, building connections between algebra and arithmetic and geometry, and developing strategies for incorporating algebraic processes and content into mathematics instruction at different grade levels are integral to the course.

Instructor: Dr. Naomi Fisher

MTHT 591 - Topics in Elementary/Junior High School Mathematics: Advanced Mathematical Content for Middle School Teachers Special Section for CPS Algebra Initiative

The course builds on the foundation of the first course in the sequence (MthT 465) to deepen and extend teachers' knowledge of algebra and the teaching of algebra. Topics included are solving quadratic equations, introduction to higher order polynomials, graphing parabolas, and geometric sequences and series. Additional topics may include introductions to exponential functions, complex numbers, and the Binomial theorem. Problem solving, building connections between algebra and arithmetic and geometry, and developing strategies for incorporating algebraic processes and content into mathematics instruction at different grade levels are integral to the course.

Instructor: Dr. Naomi Fisher

Tuition and Enrollment:

The mathematics courses are offered through the UIC Office of Continuing Education, (312) 996-8025. Teachers who are eligible for CPS funding must enroll in the courses through OCE; tuition and fees are due at the time of enrollment. Please note that your enrollment cannot be processed without your payment. CPS will determine the conditions of eligibility for the subsidy. Classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met.

Tuition for courses offered through the UIC Office of Continuing Education in Spring 2006 and is $272 per credit hour, plus a $15 per credit hour non-refundable administrative fee. Total tuition and fees for a four-hour course are $1,148.

In fall 2005, an additional $300 subsidy from UIC grants is available. The out-of-pocket cost to teachers with a $350 subsidy from CPS and an additional $300 subsidy from UIC grants is $498.

The tuition subsidy and amount of tuition for later semesters is subject to change.

About Obtaining a Masters of Science in the Teaching of Mathematics degree:

If you are admitted to the MST degree program at UIC, you may transfer up to twelve hours of credit coursework taken through the UIC Office of Continuing Education. For information about applying to the MST degree program, application deadlines, and transferring courses taken through the UIC Office of Continuing Education, please contact Janice Nekola (312) 413-3750 in the Office of Mathematics and Computer Education.

Please note that once you have been admitted to the MST degree program, you are no longer eligible for continuing education tuition rates; regular University range tuition and campus fees apply. For information about university range tuition and fees, please visit the Office of Admissions and Records website at http://www.uic.edu/depts/oar/grad/tuition_grad.html.

For further information, please contact: