Learning and Understanding: Improving Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in U.S. High Schools Report of the Content Panel for Mathematics (2002) / Chapter Skim
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4. Teacher Preparation and Professional Development
4. Teacher Preparation and Professional Development
Pages 32-37
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From page 32... ...
. The panel notes that this lack of specificity is intentional on the part of the IBO.
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From page 33... ...
A natural consequence of this growth is an increased demand for well-qualified and well-prepared teachers to staff AP and IB mathematics classrooms. This increased demand comes at a time when there is already a shortage of qualified teachers who are prepared to teach advanced mathematics a shortage that will be exacerbated by the large number of retirements expected during the next 10 years and a growing turnover rate among U.S.
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From page 34... ...
With Ma's work in mind, the panel encourages the College Board, the IBO, and individual schools and school districts that offer AP and IB courses to plan, support, and provide professional development activities for AP and IB mathematics teachers that focus on increasing teachers' subject matter knowledge, knowledge of how students learn mathematics, discipline-specific pedagogical knowledge, mastery of new topics or new approaches to the AP or IB syllabi, opportunities to generate and contribute new knowledge to the profession, and access to collegial communities of AP/IB teachers and to opportunities for collaborative work with college faculty. AP and IB calculus teachers are often the best in their schools, and many compare favorably with teachers at any level.
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From page 35... ...
We recommend that these manuals include sample questions and answers; text on the mathematical context in which a mathematical idea is situated; and the theoretical underpinnings, the common student misconceptions, and the process by which students acquire understanding. (Note that a new AP Calculus Teachers' Guide was released in 2000, but the panel did not have the opportunity to review it.)
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From page 36... ...
In recent years, teachers have found an alternative on the Internet. The AP calculus and AP Statistics discussion groups on the Swarthmore College Web site have been highly successful in supporting beginning teachers.
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From page 37... ...
The AP calculus examinations have therefore become a 3-hour test that measures 5 years of instruction. To the extent that the test is superficial the previous 5 years of instruction will also be superficial.
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