Methodology: Elementary math
The rating of special education programs on mathematics preparation uses the same methodology employed in Standard 29, elementary mathematics content. The scope of our analysis does not involve more advanced mathematics instruction, which special education teachers working in a secondary school may also find necessary.
NCTQ's rating of Illinois' teacher preparation programs on mathematics preparation is based on examination of syllabi and required primary textbooks in coursework designed for teacher audiences. These materials were used to assess whether the coursework covers essential topics in mathematics (the basis for an "instructional score") and devotes sufficient time to those topics.
Programs that required an eight- or nine-semester-hour sequence of required elementary mathematics coursework that adequately covers essential topics in numbers and operations, algebra, geometry and data analysis and that uses an adequate textbook received full credit. Ratings were lowered if some essential topics did not appear to be taught, poor textbook selections were made or coursework requirements were not sufficient (fewer than eight semester hours).
