Initial Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Center for Mathematics and Science Education

Texas A&M University

The Center for Mathematics and Science Education is dedicated to supporting the ever-changing needs of Texas educators charged with the vital role of teaching K-16 science and mathematics.

Texas A & M University
Established: 1985

[https://science.tamu.edu/about/deans-office/cmse/]

Profile submitted by Timothy P. Scott

Vision and Goals

Increased science and mathematics literacy for the citizenry of Texas and beyond through collaborations with university faculty, K-12 teachers (pre-service and in-service) and students.

Center/Program Structure

The Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE) at Texas A&M University, is a collaboration between the College of Science and the College of Education and Human Development to provide and promote resources that enhance science and mathematics education in the State of Texas. The goal is increased student achievement in STEM necessary for a thriving state and nation.

The Center focuses efforts through four key systemic areas responding to state and national needs in mathematics and science education:

  1. Teacher Recruitment, Preparation and Retention
  2. Professional Development
  3. Research on Teaching and Learning
  4. Policy
Undergirding these four areas are collaborative partnerships with federal and state agencies, independent school districts, business/industry, informal education, higher education, and private foundations.

The Center is co-directed by faculty from both Colleges, Dr. Timothy P. Scott and Dr. Jane F. Schielack from the College of Science and Dr. Carol L. Stuessy from College of Education and Human Development. Staff of the Center include research associates and scientists, graduate assistants, and undergraduate interns/student workers. Collaborations with local districts and teachers provide invaluable support and expertise to Center programming.

Description of Programming

The cornerstone of the Center is mathematics and science teacher preparation and professional development. The aggieTEACH Program, started in 2001, is an undergraduate secondary math and science teacher preparation program that produces highly-qualified, highly-effective STEM teachers. The aggieTEACH program focuses on students who are interested in obtaining both a STEM degree, in the traditional four-year, 120 hour undergraduate bachelor's degree. The goal of the aggieTEACH program is to not only prepare its students to be great teachers, but to prepare students to be great math and science teachers. Thus, the aggieTEACH program focuses on characteristics and teaching techniques specific to teaching in the STEM fields by providing special opportunities including scholarships, advising sessions, seminars, extracurricular events, and mentoring and induction program focusing on teacher development to increase student achievement. Texas A&M University has led the state in production of university trained science and mathematics teachers and serves as a model for other universities and state initiatives to support the recruitment and preparation of tomorrow's teachers.

The CMSE hosts a number of professional development programs each year, including the Texas A&M University-College Station Texas Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching and the USDA Future Scientists Program. The TAMU Collaborative has completed over 10 years of providing leadership in science education in our region. Each year extensive professional development is provided to over 30 teachers who serve as science teacher mentors in their own schools, districts, regions, and at state levels. Each of these teachers completed an average of 100 hours of professional development and together train another 150 teachers each year.

For just over a decade, the Future Scientists Program funded by the USDA/Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program has reached out nationally to communities, grades K-12 and undergraduates with hands-on, inquiry-based activities that link them with USDA/Agricultural Research Service scientists, laboratory sites and current agricultural research. The program invites teachers, students and parents to become directly involved in the research.

Successes and Impacts

The projects the Center has acquired and collaborated on since 2000 total just over $28 million. The aggieTEACH program continues to grow and has now been institutionalized at Texas A&M University. The Center provides leadership in the state in preparation and support of science and mathematics teacher through both our preparation program and professional development programs. The Center continues seeking out funding opportunities and collaborations to address the ever-changing needs of Texas educators.