Mathematics, Secondary Education
The major in mathematics is the foundation of the department's curriculum. The basic
program can be complemented with further courses depending on a student's interest.
Common directions of targeted preparation include graduate studies in a mathematical science and careers in statistics, finance, or operations research. Graduates
have used a mathematics major as preparation for seemingly non-mathematical careers
ranging from law to business to the ministry. Recent LVC graduates have obtained
positions such as operations research analyst, bank credit analyst, marketing manager,
and mutual fund accountant. Other mathematics graduates have taken positions involving
computer system support and installation.
Typically, candidates for secondary teaching certification in mathematics must be prepared for, and successfully complete, MAS 111, 112 (Analysis) and MAS 113, 114 (Intro to Mathematical Thinking) in their freshman year to complete the program in four years. Preparation for these courses is determined by a review of the student's academic record and through the Calculus Readiness Test, which is administered during a New Student Advising Day.
Mathematics/Secondary Education
Students seeking secondary certification in mathematics must complete: a major in mathematics including the following:
MAS 322 Abstract Algebra| Introduction to algebraic structures including groups, rings and fields. Prerequisites: MAS 202, MAS 222, and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
| Axiomatic development of absolute, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries. Prerequisites: MAS 202, MAS 222, and MAS 251. 3 credits. |
| Foundational aspects of computer programming. Algorithms and data; control structures; the design of small programs. Class and object basics. Uses the Java programming language. 3 credits. |
One course from:
MAS 270 Intermediate Statistics| A more advanced version of MAS 170 intended for students with some calculus background. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 4 (Mathematics). A student may not receive credit for both MAS 170 and MAS 270. 3 credits. |
| An introduction to the mathematical foundations of statistics including sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, linear models and multivariate distributions. Prerequisite: MAS 371. 3 credits. |
Required education courses:
SED 115 Intro to Teaching and Learning| This course is designed to provide an introduction to secondary education majors about how people learn and how to successfully use that information in the classroom. It will cover the characteristics of secondary schools and students and the management of teaching and learning resources. 2 hours a week of fieldwork is required. 3 credits. |
| This course will offer comprehensive preparation for teaching mathematics in secondary schools through discussing, reading, writing, and completing projects. Students enrolled in this course will explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of instruction for a variety of populations; synthesize, reconfigure and connect what they have learned within the areas of mathematical literacy, writing, and education; evaluate student work by creating their own rubrics to assess learning in units and assignments for all students including those with disabilities; use technology effectively as an instructional tool; establish and practice appropriate classroom management strategies for all students including those with disabilities; design lessons/units of study that meaningfully integrate different and varied aspects of mathematics; explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of classroom instruction for a variety of populations. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisites: Mathematics major or permission. 3 credits. |
| This course will guide preservice students to develop competencies in teaching literacy strategies in their content area subject(s) in middle and high school. Emphasis will be placed on teaching activities, specialized skills, technology skills and study strategies for learning substantive content. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisite: SED 115. 3 credits. |
| This course is designed to provide preservice secondary education students with the skills to develop an integrated approach to teaching and learning. Students will create lesson and unit plans and develop integrated curricula. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisites:SED 110, 430; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior or senior status; approval of the instructor; must be taken prior to SED 440. 3 credits. |
| Students spend an entire semester in an area school under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average of 2.8 and admission to teacher certification candidacy are required. (See Education Department III 1-7.) SED 110, 430, 431; open to seniors or students seeking certification only. 12 credits. |
Additional Certification Requirements
Students seeking teacher certification must also complete a number of additional processed and requirements outlined in the Steps to Pennsylvania Teacher Certification document on the Education Department web page. Along with other requirements, these include a minimum GPA and the following coursework:
1. Completion of one English composition course.
2. Completion of one English or American literature course.
3. Completion of two college-level mathematics courses.
4. Completion of required Special Education coursework:
SPE 250 Cog Devel of Diverse Learners| This course is designed to introduce all categories of disability. Specific attention will be given to the potential cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language differences in children with disabilities. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study discussions, and student presentations. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| This course will begin with a historical overview of the field of special education, including key legislation and litigation that drives current practice. Assessment tools for diagnosing disability will be introduced, as well as assessment tools for documenting student progress. In addition, collaboration and communication skills essential for working as a part of the special education team will be practiced and further developed. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, field experiences, and hands-on experience with various assessments. 3 credits. |
The following course is required for music education majors and may also be required for students transfering credits into any certification program from other institutions:
SPE 258 Instruct & Behav. Strategies| The focus of this course content will be on (a) behavioral principles and their application in the classroom, (b) literacy development and literacy interventions for students with disabilities, and (c) evidence-based instructional strategies in other content areas, such as mathematics, social studies, science, and the creative arts. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study applications, field experiences, hands-on experience with various literacy programs, and student presentations. Prerequisite: Restricted to Music majors and transfer students. 3 credits. |
5. Completion of one of the following ESL courses:
For early childhood/special education certification: EDU 240 Lang, Diversity, Achiev.: Pk-8
| This course is designed for the pre-service music, art, language, early childhood education, or middle school educator to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity. 3 credits. |
For secondary education certification: EDU 245 Lang, Diversity, Achieve: 7-12
| This course is designed to allow the pre-service music, art, language, or grade 7 - grade 12 secondary teacher certification candidate to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States. This course is required under Act 49-2 and may be taken while student teaching. Fulfills general education requirement: American Social Diversity. 3 credits. |
K-12 certification (art, languages, and music) candidates may take either course.