Math and Science Teacher Initiative
The California State University
June 2006

The California State University and Mathematics and Science Teacher Preparation

The California State University (CSU) has the capacity to build on its strengths in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering, technology, and teacher education to address the severe mathematics and science teacher shortage. In 2004-05, CSU awarded 651 math, 1,930 biological sciences, and 516 physical sciences (chemistry, geosciences, and physics) undergraduate degrees. Although these are only some of the fields that are precursors to teaching credentials in mathematics, biological sciences, earth sciences, physics, and chemistry, they demonstrate CSU's ability to address the challenge.

Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative

As a system, CSU's goal is to at least double the production of math and science teachers during the next five years. This means increasing from a baseline figure of approximately 750 new math and science teachers produced annually to a minimum of 1,500 new teachers produced in these fields.

CSU's Math and Science Teacher Initiative began during the past year through a planning process involving all of its 23 campuses. The CSU seven-part action plan is focused on meeting "one goal through diverse pathways." Each campus is committed to a specific plan based on regional needs and characteristics that identifies a numerical goal for increased credential production and specifies how it will be reached. Campus plans include a broad range of promising approaches.

Component #1. Comprehensive Recruitment Aimed at Expanding and Diversifying the Pool of Candidates

Objective: To significantly expand recruitment of new mathematics and science teacher candidates.

Programs: Comprehensive, innovative marketing and recruitment initiatives in diverse venues.

The first component of CSU's action plan is directed toward substantially expanding and diversifying the pool of qualified candidates for math and science teaching. It is a broadly based recruitment effort targeted to college students and recent graduates, community college and high school students, mid-career and pre-retirement professionals, military retirees, and teachers with the potential to change fields. It will involve the use of a wide range of print and electronic tools, including the World Wide Web, DVD, radio, and cable television for comprehensive and innovative marketing and recruitment in diverse venues.

Component #2. Creation of New Credential Pathways

Objective: To establish multiple new pathways to mathematics and science teaching credentials.

Programs: A broad range of new programs beginning at the freshman level and continuing through fast-track post-baccalaureate options.

A central part of the CSU strategy to expand math and science teacher production is the creation of new credential pathways. The intent is to provide multiple points of entry into these fields for individuals at different educational and career stages. New pathways include, for example, blended programs for undergraduates in which an academic major and teacher preparation are integrated in an articulated program of study. These are particularly promising because teacher preparation can begin well before California's traditional post-baccalaureate program, and college students can typically complete these programs in little more than four years.

Several campuses are planning new pathways that will enable professionals in math- and science-based fields to transition to careers in math and science teaching-including efficient, fast-track paths to the state's recently established specialized science credentials. New pathways will also enable credential candidates enrolled in different fields and current teachers in other fields to obtain an added teaching authorization in math or science.

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For additional inquires, contact Joan Bissell at jbissell@calstate.edu