LAC 28:CXXXI.1357. Elementary Mathematics Specialist

A. In January 2010 the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE) adopted standards for elementary math specialists. These standards are included in Standards for Elementary Math Specialists: A Reference for Teacher Credentialing and Degree Programs and serve as the basis for the elementary mathematics specialist certification. B. This certification will be available to individuals holding a valid early childhood certificate in PK-K or PK-3, elementary certificate in grade levels 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, or 1-8), or middle school mathematics certificate in grade levels 4-8, 5-8, or 6-8, or a secondary mathematics certificate in grade levels 6-12 or 7-12. The following must be achieved: 1. three years of successful teaching experience to include the teaching of mathematics with all out-of-state experience verified as successful by the out-of-state employing authority or SEA; 2. completion of 21 graduate hours of coursework reflective of the Specialized Mathematics Content for Teaching as outlined in the AMTE standards. The 21 graduate hours include: a. three semester hours of number and operations; b. three semester hours of algebra and functions; c. three semester hours of geometry and measurement; d. three semester hours of data analysis and probability; e. three semester hours in mathematics pedagogical content knowledge which must include learners and learning, teaching, curriculum, and assessment; f. three semester hours of leadership which must cover leadership knowledge and skills; and g. a three semester hour practicum to include leadership challenges and issues which mathematics leaders encounter. Candidates complete thirty-five hours of field experience shadowing a mathematics specialist and/or completing job-like activities in addition to participating in various projects, readings, and discussions as a member of a class. C. A teacher certified to teach in any range of grades for PreK-6 may be the math teacher of record and assign grades to students in the grade levels certified. A secondary certified math teacher is allowed to teach math in grade levels 6-12 and/or serve as a math coach in grades PK-6. The EMS endorsement can be used to verify specialized knowledge in mathematics. D. Valid for serving as an instructional coach in mathematics in grades PK-6.