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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.

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?

Participants take one class per long semester and two classes per summer. Participants also have opportunities to participate in paid summer research programs and apply for mini-grant funds.

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?

Who is eligible?

What is the definition of middle school?

What are the criteria for acceptance into the program?

Admission will be based on grade point average of the applicant’s last 60 hours for the undergraduate degree, a personal statement from the applicant about his/her career goals, resume, and two reference letters. Ideally the group will be diverse in terms of ethnicity and gender. The target is a 50/50 male/female ratio, and a 50 percent minority teacher population and teachers who teach diverse populations of students. Applications are completed online at: http://ttumssquare.org/application/application.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 some course fees to participants in the form of a scholarship. New laptop computers with Microsoft software may be provided to each participant. You are responsible for printing any needed material, for books, for remaining fee balance, and for meals during the summer sessions. Housing is provided in Texas Tech residence halls at no cost to you during the summer sessions. Participants will need to bring their own towels and twin-bed sheets.
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.

Session I is on campus at TTU, Lubbock. Students take two face-to-face classes, over a three-week period (last three full weeks in June). Housing is provided.

Session II (optional) is distance and involves a research project at the research site of your choice; held last partial week in June/first partial week in July. You will collaborate with TTU faculty, with university faculty in the teacher’s hometown, or at a national laboratory such as the Argonne National Laboratory in the Chicago area. The teacher will propose the research and lab of their choice. Funding through Texas Tech for this research experience is available (up to $3,500 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.