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What is the goal of the Texas Middle School Math and Science Teachers Understanding by Design project?

To prepare and increase the number of highly qualified in-service middle school mathematics and science teachers to become well developed in content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. It is proposed that this goal be accomplished by means of current math and science middle school teachers in Texas earning a multidisciplinary science master’s degree from Texas Tech University. Participants apply as a team of math/science teachers from the same school.

When does the program begin?

How long does it take to get a master’s degree?

It is a three-year program comprising six long semesters (fall and spring) and three summer semesters. A member of the first cohort beginning fall 2009 can expect to graduate summer 2012.

How much time is involved?

Each fall and spring course is three credit hours. This involves three hours of online or face-face lecture each week. Homework/assignments will take approximately six-eight hours per week. Special Assignments (e.g. Final exam) make involve more preparation time.
Participants take two courses the first semester each summer of the three year degree program with graduation in August of the third year. Each course is approximately 2-2.5 hours per day. Daily homework/assignments will occur.
Participants are encouraged to participate in paid summer research programs at National Laboratories in an area of your special interest. A research proposal for funding is available for this competitive opportunity. Research experiences are available on campus or at a location near you. A presentation is required at the next year’s Annual Conference of the research activity.
Participants have the opportunity to submit a mini-grant proposal for up to $2,500.00 per math/science team for use in your home classroom. Disbursement of funds occurs early fall. A presentation at the next year’s Annual Conference of the mini-grant activity is required.

What kinds of classes are required?

Classes during the long semesters are online; classes and professional development experiences during the summer are onsite at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Use of Facebook and Second Life Virtual Environments will facilitate meetings. Courses will include two math, two biology, two physics, two chemistry, two education, one “nature of science,” and one engineering, for 36 credit hours.

What kind of degree is earned?

What if I already hold a master’s degree?

You are eligible to earn this particular master’s degree regardless.
Transfer credits are not accepted as each course, in sequence, is developed for math/science integration.

Who is eligible?

What is the definition of middle school?

What are the criteria for acceptance into the program?

Scholarship and degree program admission will be based on grade point average, a personal statement addressing career goals, resume, and two reference letters (one from current administrator of home school) per each math/science team member of in-service teachers. Ideally the admitted cohort of 24 scholarship participants, comprised of math/science teams, will be diverse in terms of ethnicity and gender. The target is 50/50 gender ration and a 50% minority teacher population and teachers who teach diverse populations of students. Scholarship applications are completed online at: http://ttumssquare.org/application/application.php.
TTU Graduate School graduate student online application is also required at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/admissions/how.php

Why do I need a partner and what are the policies regarding partners?

All participants need a partner so you can collaborate as representatives of the same school and/or district. Together you will write math and science curriculum for your school, among other assignments. Partners should represent each discipline, i.e., math teachers partnered with science teachers. Partners are expected to meet face-to-face at least weekly during the three-year duration of the (MS)² program. A pair of Texas Tech University Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and College of Education faculty will be partnered with a corresponding pair of math and science teachers, to comprise a “Learning Circle.”

What if I can’t find a partner? Can I apply without a partner?

Yes, you may apply for the program. There may be another teacher from your school/district who also applies separately, and you can be paired. There may be other options as well so don’t let lack of a committed partner deter you from applying.

What if my partner quits the program before finishing?

All scenarios will be handled on a case-by-case basis, but the continuing partner’s standing should not be negatively affected.

What is my cost?

The grant provides tuition and course fees to participants in the form of a scholarship. New laptop computers may be provided to each participant. Software downloads will be provided online by TTU and the program (Microsoft Office, Second Life, CMap, etc…). You are responsible for printing any needed material, for books, for remaining fee balances, for parking during summer and conference, and for meals during the summer sessions. Housing is provided in Texas Tech residence halls for non-Lubbock residents, at no cost to you during the summer sessions. A checklist of required items for summer semester will be provided.
Portions of this scholarship may be taxable (such as laptop computer, summer housing and awards). Please see IRS Publication 970: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf for additional information. (MS)2 Master of Science degree students are responsible for reporting and paying any applicable income tax. Students who are nonresident aliens for tax reporting purposes will be subject to tax withholding on portions of this scholarship and will be responsible for paying the balance to the university.

What happens to the laptop computers at the end of the program?

If you successfully earn your master’s degree in the prescribed time period, you may keep the laptop. If you quit the program prior to its end, you will be responsible for returning the laptop to Texas Tech University.

Explain the summer sessions.

First summer semester is at the Lubbock campus. Participants take two face-face classes over a three-week period (usually three full weeks in June). Residence hall housing is provided for non-Lubbock residents.
Second summer semester involves a research project of your choice during the first or second year of the degree program. Research at a national lab or at a location near your home occurs in July--August. Funding through the (MS)2 grant is available (up to $3500 per teacher) on the basis of a written proposal.

What is my responsibility if I don’t complete the program?

You will be expected to repay Texas Tech University the cost of tuition and fees for the classes taken up to the time you leave the program and return the laptop computer within 2 weeks from the last day of participation.