Date Approved

5-1-2006

Embargo Period

3-31-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Elementary School Teaching

Department

Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Molinari, Louis

Subject(s)

Mathematics teachers--New Jersey; Mathematics teachers--Training of

Disciplines

Elementary Education and Teaching

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine current practices regarding math specialists in the eight southern counties of New Jersey. Additionally, information on training opportunities offered by several universities was presented and compared to the certification requirements of other states. A written survey was mailed to a proportional stratified random sample (n=45), categorized by county and socioeconomic status. Both simple percentages and tests of significance (t-test and chi-squared) were used in analyzing the data. This study found there were no significant differences in the number of math specialists working in economically disadvantaged districts compared to other, more affluent districts. There were, however, significant differences in the desired qualifications/ characteristics of math specialists across socioeconomic classifications. The evolving nature and lack of standardization regarding math specialists was noted throughout, as was the absence of scientific research on the effectiveness of such individuals. The implications of the findings of this study are discussed.

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