Foundational Level Mathematics Information
This page contains information about the Foundational Level Mathematics (FLM) teacher credential program at California State University Fullerton, part of the only nationally accredited teacher credential program in Orange County! The program aims to prepare middle school and high school teachers of mathematics. Please read through the resources here before contacting Dr. Ellis with questions about the program.
FLM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Single Subject Credential Program at CSUF?
If you are considering pursuing a teaching credential for the first time, start by reading the FAQs about our over-arching credential program and attending an Overview session.
2. What are the pre-requisites needed in order to be considered for admission to the FLM program?
If you've not done so, please attend an Overview (see above) to learn about the Single Subject Credential Program and its pre-requisites. For all credential areas, you must complete 4 pre-requisite courses (EDSC 310, 320, 330, 340). It is also encouraged that you complete the educational technology course (EDSC 304) and the teaching English learners course (EDSC 410) before starting the program to reduce your course load once in the program. Note that there are additional two pre-requisite courses (EDSC 400 and 410) if you intend to start in the Professional Track (see below).
3. What am I authorized to teach with an FLM credential?
The state of California has authorized the teaching of any mathematics course through Advanced Algebra by those with an FLM credential. Click here to see the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing official definition of FLM. Note that while you are a student in the CSUF FLM credential program, you cannot be placed in a course above Algebra I for student teaching or intern teaching.
4. Do I need a major in mathematics?
You do not need to major in mathematics but must demonstrate content knowledge proficiency by passing the rigorous CSET Mathematics I and II exams (see #5 below). However, if you are working on an undergraduate degree it is strongly encouraged that you earn a minor in mathematics. At CSUF, there are two minors for those going into teaching. Click here to read about these.
5. What are the CSET Mathematics exams?
The CSET mathematics exams are content tests that establish whether you meet the minimum standards with respect to knowledge of mathematics for teaching. You must pass CSET Mathematics I (algebra and number theory) and Mathematics II (geometry, probability, and statistics) to be content knowledge eligible for the FLM program. The state has published a manual about the CSET Mathematics exams.
6. How do I prepare for the CSET Mathematics exams?
The first thing to do is make sure you have a sufficient background in mathematics (see table below). It is strongly recommended that you have taken coursework through at least the 1st semester of college Calculus as well as coursework in Probability & Statistics and Discrete Mathematics. If you have not taken such courses, it is to your benefit to do so before seriously considering becoming a teacher of mathematics. At CSUF, these courses would be:
Based on data from those who have taken the CSET Mathematics exams, having at least 25 semester units in mathematics will give you a much better likelihood of earning passing scores (from http://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/agendas/2008-10/2008-10-2D.pdf):
For those with a solid mathematical background needing to have a focused review, the following resources will help you focus for what's on the exams:
7. What is student teaching?
The typical person in our credential program is a "student teacher" who is assigned to work with two Master Teachers at a local public school. In this role, you learn from the experience of the two Master Teachers, taking time to do observations, in-class tutoring, and co-teaching during your 1st semester in the program. By the 2nd semester, you will be ready to take responsibility for teaching three (3) of your Master Teachers' courses. They will be available for support throughout this semester of intensive teaching.
8. What is the professional track or Internship teaching?
There are some students who are ready to assume the responsibilities of a full-time teacher at the start of either the 1st semester (less common) or 2nd semester (more common) of the credential program. In such a case, they will be permitted by the program advisor to pursue a full-time mathematics teaching position in a local public school and issued an "Internship" credential. Despite the name, such a position carries with it the same responsibilities as any full-time teacher in addition to having to complete the credential program requirements. For this reason, the professional track is not recommended for everyone though it is an option available to those in the CSUF Single Subject Credential program.
9. How can I improve my knowledge of Spanish to communicate with students and parents?
While not required for California teachers, I strongly recommend that as a teacher you learn Spanish. This will make you both more employable and more effective! Here are two ideas for developing your Spanish language abilities:
10. What opportunities for financial aid exist?
There is a lot of financial aid for those preparing to teach math. Start filling out applications ASAP...
NEW: Federal Student Aid TEACH grant program http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
College of Education blog about funding opportunities http://www.fundsforcollegeofeducationstudents.blogspot.com/
CSU System Financial Aid for Teachers page: http://www.calstate.edu/Teachered/scholarships/information.shtml
CSU Fullerton Financial Aid page: http://www.fullerton.edu/financialaid
On-Track Transition to Teaching Grant (partnership between CSUF and Santa Ana USD): http://ed.fullerton.edu/sped/Transition_to_Teaching/index.htm
NCTM Prospective Middle School Teacher Scholarships (for college juniors)
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to college or university students preparing for teaching middle school mathematics. For 2009-2010, one scholarship, with a maximum value of $3,000, will be awarded to a person currently completing their junior year of college or university, scheduling for full-time study at a four- or five-year college or university in the next academic year, and pursuing a career goal of becoming a certified teacher of middle school mathematics. These scholarships are named in recognition of the generous contributions to mathematics education made by Edward Brennan.
Assumption Program for Loans to Educators (APLE) http://aple.csusuccess.org/scholarship
Coordinator at CSU Fullerton: Vickey Takeuchi (714) 278-2926
The APLE is a competitive teacher incentive program--readily available to those entering mathematics and science teaching--designed to encourage outstanding students, district interns, and out-of-state teachers to become California teachers in subject areas where a critical teacher shortage has been identified or in designated schools meeting specific criteria established by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. For more information contact the Commission’s Specialized Programs Branch at 1-888-224-7268, #3 or e-mail specialized@csac.ca.gov.
Troops to Teachers http://www.scoe.net/troops/
A program that assists individuals transitioning from military service into careers in education.
Paraprofessional Teacher Training Program (PTTP): http://ite.ocde.us/pttp.htm
A program to provide financial support for instructional aides who want to become credentialed teachers. You must be employed by one of the following districts: Capistrano Unified School District, Cypress School District, Magnolia School District, Orange County Department of Education, Orange Unified School District, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, Santa Ana Unified School District, Newport Mesa Unified School District, and Buena Park School District.