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Preparing Elementary School Teachers of Mathematics: A Continuing Challenge

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Research Advances in the Mathematical Education of Pre-service Elementary Teachers

Part of the book series: ICME-13 Monographs ((ICME13Mo))

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Abstract

This chapter analyzes the mathematical background and related program experiences of pre-service elementary education candidates (defined here as grade levels K–6) in the United States. The chapter includes an annotated review of selected international perspectives which have the potential to influence this topic [International perspective derived from recent international research and selected papers from ICME 13 TSG 47 (Hamburg Germany July 24–31, 2016)]. The analysis traces historical elements of elementary teacher preparation in the United States, considers the importance of mathematical knowledge for teaching at the elementary school level, current issues related to teacher accreditation in the U.S. and internationally, and the potential of elementary school mathematics specialists. It concludes by presenting current and emerging challenges related to elementary education programs, including supply and demand, program quality and the need for ongoing research, with particular attention to the impact of mathematical knowledge for teaching, elementary mathematics specialist models, and preparation provider impact and integrity.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This chapter addresses issues related to mathematics education for pre-service elementary (K–6) teacher education and does not, in a very direct way, address the development, research, and challenges related to early childhood (N-3) teacher education.

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Correspondence to Francis (Skip) Fennell .

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(Skip) Fennell, F. (2018). Preparing Elementary School Teachers of Mathematics: A Continuing Challenge. In: Stylianides, G., Hino, K. (eds) Research Advances in the Mathematical Education of Pre-service Elementary Teachers. ICME-13 Monographs. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68342-3_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68342-3_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-68341-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-68342-3

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