Key Features

Both programs stress depth over breadth and are designed around mathematics for teaching.

MMT

The MMT option is a master's degree program for in-service teachers. Applicants are advised that anyone seeking the Massachusetts State Professional Teaching License should already hold the Initial License at the time of matriculation.

• The MMT program is two academic years of parttime study and three summers of immersion.

• The core of the program is the six-week summer intensive study of mathematics and professional development:
  • Summer I focuses on an immersion experience in mathematics.

  • Summer II broadens the immersion through a research experience in mathematics.

  • Summer III centers on a field study in mathematics education.

• During Academic Years I and II (following the first and second summers), graduate courses in mathematics and education complete the course requirements. Special care is taken to make connections between mathematical content and pedagogy, show the relationship of mathematics to the school curriculum, and "unpack" the immersion experience.

• Academic year courses are offered in the late afternoon to accommodate teachers' schedules.

CAGS

The CAGS option is available for teachers who already hold a license and a master's degree and wish to further broaden their knowledge of mathematics education with a specialization in mathematics for teaching. The program is tailored to meet students' needs and will vary depending upon each individual's background.

• The core of the program is the six-week summer intensive study of mathematics and professional development in PROMYS for Teachers.

• During the following two academic years and summer, graduate courses in mathematics and education complete the course requirements. Special care is taken to make connections between mathematical content and pedagogy, show the relationship of mathematics to the school curriculum, and "unpack" the immersion experience.

• A comprehensive exam covering issues in Mathematics Education and Mathematics for Teaching is a degree requirement. The reading list and the exam questions will vary depending on the student's particular interests and background.

Graduates of these programs will:

• Develop mathematics curricula for students in need of greater challenge and those in need of greater assistance.

• Lead in-service professional development programs for teachers.

• Recognize connections and be able to integrate mathematical ideas across the curriculum.

• Personally experience the student learning process.

• Be lifetime learners who enjoy mathematics with students and colleagues.

Academic standards and prerequisites

The programs are designed for people who have an intrinsic motivation to study mathematics in an intense immersion environment and who intend to make a career in mathematics teaching. Specific admission requirements are:

1. 2 years full-time teaching experience in mathematics in grades 5-12.


2. Bachelors Degree with 3.0 grade point average in major.


3. 4 mathematics courses at or above the level of Calculus 1 with 3.0 grade point average.


4. Graduate record exams. There is no fixed cutoff score. An applicant's GRE tally is one of many variables used to select students for the programs.

In addition, applicants are advised as follows:

a) Anyone seeking the Massachusetts State Professional Teaching License should already hold the Initial License at the time of matriculation.

b) The MMT/CAGS programs require strong skills in advanced mathematics and problem solving. It is therefore recommended that at least one of the applicant's four college mathematics courses be at the level of linear algebra, discrete mathematics, or higher.

Credit: In accordance with university policy, students must receive a grade of B- or higher to receive graduate credit for each course.

Transfer of Credit: In accordance with university policy, students who transfer into the programs from another university may apply to receive up to 8 credits for equivalent courses taken elsewhere. Students currently registered in another Boston University graduate degree program may transfer into the MMT/CAGS programs, and will receive credit for any MMT/CAGS course they have taken while enrolled in the previous degree program.

Teachers from the Focus on Mathematics schools should apply to their districts for tuition and stipend support. Every teacher who enters the MMT/CAGS programs with funding from the Focus on Mathematics partnership must sign a statement of commitment to teach in the district for at least three years after the degree has been awarded. In addition, district partners may initiate other requirements of their choosing.
Examples might include:

• offering in-service courses or seminars every year for a minimum of 3 years;


• attending five Focus on Mathematics seminars per year for at least 3 years;


• organizing at least one Focus on Mathematics seminar per year for at least 3 years;


• attending the Focus on Mathematics Colloquium on a regular basis;


• attending meetings or conferences of professional mathematicians and mathematics educators in their regions;


• advising their departments, schools, or communities on issues of curricula, pedagogy and assessment in secondary mathematics.

All other teachers should apply for financial aid using pages 17-18 of the application.

There are no official deadlines for applying to the MMT/CAGS. Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis. The application forms for the MMT/CAGS are also included with the SED Graduate Programs bulletin.

Note (for CAGS applicants only): Please either print our online copy below, or be sure to specify "with specialization in Mathematics for Teaching" following the "CAGS" checkboxes on pages 5 and 17 of the paper edition.

Application

Application Requirements:

• Completed application form (with the box for MMT or CAGS checked on pages 5 and 17).


• Official transcript(s) from each college or university previously attended.


• Two or more official letters of recommendation.


• Official results of the GRE exams.


• Statement of Qualifications and Objectives.


• Nonrefundable application fee of $65. Make check payable to Boston University.


• Three response labels, filled out appropriately.

Remarks:

• Applicants seeking to fulfill the requirements for the Massachusetts Professional Teaching License must hold the Initial License before beginning the programs in order be eligible for the Professional License following completion of the program.


• Test information for applicants:


• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test is a required part of a graduate application to Boston University School of Education. Our institution code is 3066. There is no department code. The GRE website provides information on test registration, testing sites, and dates.


• The GRE score is valid for five years. If you have taken the GRE in the previous five years, please call 1-888-GRE SCORE (1-888-473-7267) to arrange to have your score sent to Boston University School of Education at code 3066.


• The School receives your score about three weeks after the test is taken. You will receive a notice from ETS about the same time your score is sent to the University.


• Applicants whose college degree is from a school where the language of instruction is not English must also submit a TOEFL score of 550 or better. Our TOEFL code is 3066.

For general information, please contact:
Ava Berinstein
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Boston University
111 Cummington Street, Room 142
Boston, MA 02215
Ava@FocusOnMath.org

To contact faculty:
Professor Carol Findell (Education):
cfindell@bu.edu or 617-353-4226

Professor Glenn Stevens (Mathematics):
ghs@math.bu.edu or 617-358-2388