Elementary Teacher Preparation in
Mathematics: Arizona

Analysis of Arizona's policies

Arizona relies on its standards for teacher preparation programs and its subject-matter testing framework as the basis for articulating its requirements for the mathematics content knowledge of elementary teacher candidates.

The state does not specify any coursework requirements regarding mathematics content. However, the state has articulated teaching standards that its approved teacher preparation programs must use to frame instruction in elementary mathematics content. According to these standards, candidates must "demonstrate knowledge" of mathematics. Unfortunately, these standards lack the specificity needed to ensure that teacher preparation programs deliver mathematics content of appropriate breadth and depth to elementary teacher candidates.

Arizona requires that all new elementary teachers pass its general subject-matter test, the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment. The test's standards address content in mathematics foundations, but although they outline such areas as algebra, geometry and data analysis, the standards are not specifically geared to meet the needs of elementary teachers. The test also lacks a specific passing score for mathematics, so one can likely fail the mathematics portion and still pass the test. Further, the results of a NCTQ study on the preparation of elementary teachers in mathematics questions the rigor of Arizona's test, finding that its items representing elementary school content assess understanding at too superficial a level.

Citation

Arizona Administrative Code, AAC R7-2-602, -608 http://www.aepa.nesinc.com/ "No Common Denominator: The Preparation of Elementary Teachers in Mathematics by America's Education Schools," NCTQ, June 2008 http://www.nctq.org/p/publications/docs/nctq_ttmath_fullreport.pdf

Recommendations for Arizona

Require teacher preparation programs to provide mathematics content specifically geared to the needs of elementary teachers.
Although Arizona standards and subject-matter testing framework require some knowledge in key areas of mathematics, the state should require teacher preparation programs to provide mathematics content specifically geared to the needs of elementary teachers. This includes specific coursework in foundations, algebra and geometry, with some statistics. 

Require teacher candidates to pass a rigorous mathematics assessment.
Arizona should assess mathematics content with a rigorous assessment tool, such as the test required in Massachusetts, that evaluates mathematics knowledge beyond an elementary school level and challenges candidates' understanding of underlying mathematics concepts. Such a test could also be used to allow candidates to test out of coursework requirements. Teacher candidates who lack minimum mathematics knowledge should not be eligible for licensure.

State response to our analysis

Arizona acknowledged that NCTQ's analysis is correct but added that it is incomplete. The state noted that teachers who teach grades 7-12 whose primary assignment is in an academic subject must demonstrate proficiency by passing the appropriate portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment, with the subject areas of demonstrated proficiency specified on the certificate. If an assessment is not offered in a subject area, then the candidate must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours of courses in the subject. Further, elementary teachers teaching a core academic subject in grades 7-8 must pass either the AEPA Middle School Mathematics or the AEPA 7-12 Mathematics exam.  

Last word

This goal is focused on elementary math teachers. For NCTQ's analysis regarding Arizona's middle grades policies, see Goal 1-E. For NCTQ's analysis regarding the state's secondary teachers policies, see Goal 1-F.