The Elementary Mathematics Specialization program at WOU is designed for K-8 teachers seeking to be specialists in mathematics. Our fully online program consists of five graduate level mathematics courses aligned to the domains of the K-8 Common Core State Standards, and three education courses related to advanced methods and leadership. This program leads to the Oregon TSPC Elementary Mathematics Specialization and the Washington Elementary Mathematics Specialist endorsement.
Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) students will:
Once admitted to the EMS (K-8) Specialization/Certificate Program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you will have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
Process: Applications will be reviewed once all application materials have been submitted. Please refer to the Application Checklist in your Graduate Application Portal to confirm the status of your submitted materials. The Graduate Application Portal will also provide additional details about the checklist items for further clarification. You will be notified via email regarding changes in the status of your application or if you are missing any application components.
Students receiving non-admit credit for their Math courses may complete no more than 15 credits of non-admit graduate coursework to be applied to their EMS (K-8) specialization. If you have any questions in regards to either of these policies, please contact the graduate programs office at graduateprograms@wou.edu.
The TSPC-approved Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) program is designed to meet the requirements for the TSPC Specialization: Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) (EMS). To be eligible for recommendation for this specialization, candidates must complete all required coursework (24 credits) including a practicum that requires work with a range of students and teachers.
Upon completion of this program and recommendation to TSPC, EMS (K-8) Specialists will be equipped with advanced and specialized content knowledge for the teaching of K-8 mathematics with particular emphasis on the teaching of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. They will demonstrate knowledge of a broad set of resources necessary to support mathematical instruction and professional growth. Candidates will have the skills necessary to train, coach, and lead other school personnel in effective mathematics instruction.
Primary demonstration of leadership skills will be assessed in ED 673 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum I and ED 609 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum II. Candidates will complete a professional portfolio and upon exit, exhibit their professional skills and develop a plan for ongoing professional development. TSPC approval of the EMS (K-8) Specialization further requires three complete years of teaching mathematics and a passing score on the Commission-approved multiple subjects exam.
Content Knowledge: EMS (K-8) professionals will know and understand deeply the mathematics of elementary school as well as how mathematics concepts and skills develop through middle school including specialized knowledge that teachers need in order to understand and support student learning of elementary mathematics as specified by the AMTE Standards for Elementary Math Specialists.
Pedagogical Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics: EMIL professionals will have a foundation in pedagogical content knowledge as specified by the NCATE/NCTM Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists.
Leadership Knowledge and Skills: EMS (K-8) professionals will be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative leadership roles within their schools and districts. They will have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective instruction and professional growth.
Once admitted to EMS (K-8) program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
*Students completing an endorsement, certificate, or specialization only are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Professor, Mathematics
503-838-8404 | beaverc@wou.edu | MNB 123
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8831 | harringtonr@wou.edu | RWEC 127
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (2017). Answering the call by developing an online elementary mathematics specialist program. Journal of Mathematical Behavior. (Article)
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (May/June, 2017). Leading the way to improved student achievement. The Oregon Mathematics Teacher. (Article)
Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) students will:
Once admitted to the EMS (K-8) Specialization/Certificate Program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you will have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
Application materials required for WOU Graduate admission:
Process: Applications will be reviewed once all application materials have been submitted. Please refer to the Application Checklist in your Graduate Application Portal to confirm the status of your submitted materials. The Graduate Application Portal will also provide additional details about the checklist items for further clarification. You will be notified via email regarding changes in the status of your application or if you are missing any application components.
Students receiving non-admit credit for their Math courses may complete no more than 15 credits of non-admit graduate coursework to be applied to their EMS (K-8) specialization. If you have any questions in regards to either of these policies, please contact the graduate programs office at graduateprograms@wou.edu.
The TSPC approved Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) program is designed to meet the requirements for the TSPC Specialization: Elementary Mathematics Specialist (K-8) (EMS). To be eligible for recommendation for this specialization, candidates must complete all required coursework (24 credits) including a practicum that requires work with a range of students and teachers.
Upon completion of this program and recommendation to TSPC, EMS (K-8) Specialists will be equipped with advanced and specialized content knowledge for the teaching of K-8 mathematics with particular emphasis on the teaching of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. They will demonstrate knowledge of a broad set of resources necessary to support mathematical instruction and professional growth. Candidates will have the skills necessary to train, coach and lead other school personnel in effective mathematics instruction.
Primary demonstration of leadership skills will be assessed in ED 673 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum I and ED 609 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum II. Candidates will complete a professional portfolio and upon exit, exhibit their professional skills and develop a plan for ongoing professional development. TSPC approval of the EMS (K-8) Specialization further requires three complete years of teaching mathematics and a passing score on the Commission-approved multiple subjects exam.
Content Knowledge: EMS (K-8) professionals will know and understand deeply the mathematics of elementary school as well as how mathematics concepts and skills develop through middle school including specialized knowledge that teachers need in order to understand and support student learning of elementary mathematics as specified by the AMTE Standards for Elementary Math Specialists.
Pedagogical Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics: EMIL professionals will have a foundation in pedagogical content knowledge as specified by the NCATE/NCTM Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists.
Leadership Knowledge and Skills: EMS (K-8) professionals will be prepared to take on collegial non-evaluative leadership roles within their schools and districts. They will have a broad view of many aspects and resources needed to support and facilitate effective instruction and professional growth.
Once admitted to EMS (K-8) program, you will work with an advisor to plan the courses you will take and how you will complete the academic requirements of the program. By filing this Program Plan (PDF form), you have a road map for completing your degree and clarity on what to expect.
*Students completing an endorsement, certificate, or specialization only are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Professor, Mathematics
503-838-8404 | beaverc@wou.edu | MNB 123
Professor, Education & Leadership
503-838-8831 | harringtonr@wou.edu | RWEC 127
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (2017). Answering the call by developing an online elementary mathematics specialist program. Journal of Mathematical Behavior. (Article)
Harrington, R. Beaver, C. & Burton, L. (May/June, 2017). Leading the way to improved student achievement. The Oregon Mathematics Teacher. (Article)
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Math 611: Counting and Whole Number Operations: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of counting, whole numbers, and whole number operations. Investigation of the learning trajectory of number and operations throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of number and operations as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K – 8.
Math 612: Fractions and Proportions: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of number and operations with fractions and proportions. Investigation of the learning trajectory of fractions and proportions throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of fractions and proportions as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 613: Geometry and Measurement: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices(3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of geometry and measurement in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of geometry and measurement throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of geometry and measurement as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 614: Statistics and Probability: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices(3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of elementary statistics and probability in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of elementary statistics and probability throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of statistics and probability as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 615: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of patterns and algebraic thinking in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of patterns and algebraic thinking throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of algebraic thinking as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
Math 616: Algebra and Functions: K – 8 Learning and Teacher Practices (3 credits)
This course is a deep exploration into the teaching and learning of algebraic thinking with an emphasis on functions in grades K-8. Investigation of the learning trajectory of algebra and functions throughout the K-8 curriculum, and instruction and activities based on effective standards for mathematical practice will be emphasized. Attention will also be given to deepening the candidates understanding of the mathematics and specialized content knowledge related to the teaching of algebra and functions as outlined in the Common Core State Standards for grades K-8.
ED 637 Advanced Content Pedagogy: Mathematics (3 credits)
Students will analyze mathematics assessment and instructional practices, including content area literacy, diversity, and technology as they relate to improving learning. Students will examine and critique current issues, research and implications for classroom practice.
ED 673 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum I (3 credits)
Examines the role of the elementary mathematics instructional leader as recommended and outlined by research and recommendations from professional organizations. Special focus will include role definitions, program options, training and supervision of support staff, budgeting, and materials needed to meet state requirements in mathematics instruction. Prerequisite: This should be one of the last courses taken in the Elementary Mathematics Instructional Leader program.
ED 609 Elementary Mathematics Leadership Practicum II (3 credits)
This course integrates current research and approaches to teaching mathematics by implementing models of teacher-conducted action research. Participants must demonstrate proficiency with the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators Standards for Elementary Mathematics Specialists. Prerequisite: This should be one of the last courses taken in the Elementary Mathematics Instructional Leader program.
Your EMS (K-8) advisor will help you set up a plan
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