The degree, administered by the College of Education, is supported by course work offered by the Office of Mathematics Education. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science who have links to elementary and high schools. All future elementary teachers must take MATH 140 and 141. The Concentrators program provides enhanced training in mathematics, which prepares canditates for obtaining an Illinois Middle Grades Mathematics endorsement:

• The sequence of math courses to satisfy the education course work (MATH 140 and MATH 141)
• The Concentrators program (Study in One Discipline)
• Middle Grades Mathematics endorsement

Specific information about each area is given below.

A. MATH 140 and MATH 141 (more info)

This sequence is a two-semester course for the preparation of preservice elementary school teachers. The course emphasizes a problem-solving, calculator-based, activity-oriented approach to the study of mathematics. Arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, and statistical interpretations of topics are integrated. The classes are offered in a laboratory setting to encourage interaction between students in a cooperative learning atmosphere. Course work includes not only tests and homework but also group projects and independent investigations.

This course assumes that students have a mastery of precollegiate mathematics, including algebra. Students who do not demonstrate sufficient mathematical strength are placed into algebra courses.

Transfer students who have taken math for teachers courses may be able to receive credit for Math 140 or Math 141. We recommend looking at the sample proficiency exams in order to gauge your preparedness.

• Sample Math 140 Proficiency Exam
• Sample Math 141 Proficiency Exam

To confirm your proficiency in either one of the courses, we encourage you to contact Janice Nekola (312-413-3750) in the Office of Mathematics Education. You can arrange to take a practice exam that we can grade and then help counsel you appropriately.

B. Concentrators Program (Study in One Discipline) (more info)

With an excellent performance in MATH 140 or 141 and a recommendation from the instructor, students are invited to the Concentrators Program. This is a special honors sequence of three mathematics courses for education students. Students usually take these courses for three consecutive terms (two semesters and one summer) beginning any term. All courses include methods of teaching (and students doing teaching) as a major component of their content. The three courses in the sequence are

In addition to this sequence, two further courses, usually MthT 450 (Concepts in Elementary School Mathematics I) and one other approved MthT course, are required to complete College of Education requirements for "Study in One Discipline."

C. Middle Grade Mathematics Endorsement

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for an Illinois middle school mathematics endorsement.

Here is a possible list of courses which meet these requirements:

1. Methods: MthT 450
2. 15 hours selected from four of the following areas
   1. Math content courses for elementary teachers: any MthT course
   2. Calculus: MthT 466 or MthT 560
   3. Modern algebra or number theory: MthT 467 or MthT 465
   4. Geometry: MthT 460 of MthT 468 or MthT 565
   5. Computer science: MthT 480 or MthT 580 or MthT 420
   6. Probability and statistics: MthT 575
   7. History of mathematics: "Topics" course.

Other courses (e.g., Engineering calculus) may be substituted on an individual basis; consult an OME advisor.

3. CIE 484 (Curriculum and Instruction in the Middle School)
   EPSY 446 (Characteristics of Early Adolescence)

The university can only entitle students for the endorsement if they complete the degree. (Others who satisfy the requirements can apply for the endorsement directly to the state.)