Elementary Education — Math, Science, and Technology, M.A.

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Assistant Professor Plonczak, Graduate Program Co-Director, (516) 463-6116
Assistant Professor Stemn, Graduate Program Co-Director, (516) 463-7717

The master of arts program in elementary education with specialization in mathematics, science, and technology is designed for experienced elementary school teachers who seek the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to integrate the teaching of these areas. Technology is defined as information technology, the integration of skills that require the use of computer applications to enhance student learning of mathematics and science as well as design technology, which encompasses the study of the technological world that inventors, engineers and other innovators have created. Both educational technology and design technology are applied to the study of elementary science and mathematics to further the development of meaningful understanding in these areas. Integration of these areas occurs within a broader understanding of the way in which society both reflects and shapes curriculum and pedagogy in schools.

The program is designed to provide advanced study in the elementary curriculum for those currently holding New York state initial teacher certification. Graduate students who enter the program on a nonmatriculated basis prior to making application for acceptance to the program are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work.

Admission Requirements

New York state initial certificate to teach early childhood or childhood education.

An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in all undergraduate course work.
An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher in liberal arts and sciences course work.
Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
An interview with the program director.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 35

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree, but will be included in determining the grade point average. Students may repeat courses to meet grade point average requirements.

Curriculum and Teaching Core - Semester Hours: 6

ELED 234 - Critical Perspectives on Curriculum and Teaching Semester Hours: 3
ELED 235 - Intersections of Mathematics, Science and Technology and Curriculum Design Semester Hours: 3

MST Specialization - Semester Hours: 12

CT 200 - Introduction to Computer Technology in Education Semester Hours: 3
ELED 231 - Curriculum and Instruction in Science Semester Hours: 3
ELED 232 - Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Semester Hours: 3
ELED 239 - Technology Education in Elementary School Semester Hours: 3

Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives - Semester Hours: 6

Select two from the following:

MATH 280T Fundamentals of Pre-College Mathematics, 3 s.h.
NG 201 Astronomy, Space Science and Aerospace Workshop, 3 s.h. (New College for Interdisciplinary Studies)

ASTR 280 A-Z - Fundamentals of Astronomy for Teachers Semester Hours: 1-3
BIO 213 - Current Topics in Genetics and Evolution Semester Hours: 3
NSC 203 - Science for Elementary School Teachers Semester Hours: 3
TPP 201 - Science, Technology and Society Semester Hours: 3

School of Education, Health and Human Services Electives - Semester Hours: 3

Recommended courses (with advisement) include:

CT 250 - Gender Issues in the Classroom Semester Hours: 3
FDED 220 - Aesthetic Education Semester Hours: 3
FDED 240 - Urban Education Semester Hours: 3
FDED 244 - Seminar: Alternative Education Semester Hours: 3
FDED 247 - The Family as Educator: Multicultural Dimensions Semester Hours: 3
FDED 248 - Multicultural Education in the Metropolitan Area Semester Hours: 3
FDED 252 - Ethics for Educators Semester Hours: 3
FDED 270 - Gender and Schooling: Implications for the Study and Administration of Schools Semester Hours: 3
LYST 212 - Family, Community, and School Literacies: Cultural Perspectives Semester Hours: 3
LYST 216 - Literacy Learning at Home and in School: Social Contexts of Young Children Learning to Read and Write Semester Hours: 3
LYST 220 - Literature in the Lives of Young Children Semester Hours: 3

Culminating Thesis Course and Field Consultation - Semester Hours: 8

ELED 250A - Techniques of Classroom Research Semester Hours: 3
ELED 250B - The Master’s Thesis Semester Hours: 4
ELED 253 - MST Field Consultation Semester Hours: 1

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all course requirements for the Master of Arts in Elementary Education — Mathematics, Science, and Technology with an overall GPA of 3.0.
Completion of the 35 s.h. course requirements in the M.A. in Elementary Education — Mathematics, Science, and Technology with no fewer than 26 s.h. in residence at Hofstra.
Successful completion of the master’s thesis.
Completion of the master’s degree within a five-year period.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of a school-based program, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. The state requires applicants to have passing scores on each of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE): the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the appropriate Content Specialty Tests (CSTs). The state will not issue certification to individuals not receiving passing scores on all New York examinations.

In addition to fulfilling the required courses of study, the Commissioner’s Regulations mandate that all prospective teachers, pupil personnel and education leaders receive instructions regarding:
   1.    Identification of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
   2.    Fire and Arson Prevention.
   3.    School Violence Prevention and Intervention.
   4.    Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse.
   5.    Highway and School Safety/Prevention of Child Abduction.

New York State legislation also requires all persons seeking certification as special education teachers or school administrators working in special education to have training in the area of children with autism. All of these requirements must be completed before the conferral of the degree and recommendation for certification. Candidates for certification in New York state must also demonstrate satisfactory performance on the requisite state assessment. No degrees will be conferred without the completion of all of these requirements. Please contact the Office of Certification and Educational Support Services for information regarding fingerprinting, examinations and seminars.

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