Wellesley-MIT
Teacher Education
Additional Information on Subject Matter Knowledge and Subject
Advising
for the General Science Teaching Program
Subject
Matter Requirements.
Massachusetts
regulations specify the following subject matter knowledge requirements
for General Science (grades 5-8) teachers.
To understand more about what is intended in each area, please
study the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Science,
which we can give you a copy of and which can be found on line
at www.doe.mass.edu
You can also examine the test objectives for the Massachusetts
subject test in this area. (This test is required only for
licensure in Massachusetts.) To see these objectives, go to
doe.mass.edu, and select Educator Licensure Tests.
Areas
of subject matter knowledge for General Science:
General
Science (grades 5-8)
The
following topics will be addressed on a subject matter
knowledge test for the 5-8 level
1. Intermediate knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics,
earth/space science, and related mathematics
2. Methods of research in the sciences, including laboratory
techniques and the use of computers
3. History and philosophy of science
You
would meet the requirements, first, by completing the set of courses
described below; second, by doing
additional
study
in areas where you have not taken courses; and, third,
by demonstrating your knowledge via student teaching
and the
MTEL subject test.
(MTEL stands for Massachusetts Tests for Educator
Licensure.) Or if you do not plan to take the MTEL subject test
because you do not intend to teach in Massachusetts,
you can alternatively
do a portfolio review process.
Planning required subject matter courses and study.
It will be possible to address most areas of required knowledge while
fulfilling the General Institute Requirements at MIT, or the pre-med
requirements at Wellesley, though a science related major is also
highly desireable, and in any case, substantial course work above
the introductory level is required. Please consult with our general
science subject matter advisors, Prof. Meg Thompson at Wellesley
or Prof. Graham Walker at MIT, about how you will plan to address
all areas of required knowledge.
Required courses:
1. At
least eight courses in science, with at least one course in each
of the following four areas: biology, chemistry, physics, and
earth/planetary/space science. At least two courses of the
eight courses must include laboratory, or else the Laboratory Requirement
at MIT must be completed.
2. At least one course in mathematics.
Strongly recommended:
a course in the history of science, such as STS.001, STS.002, or
STS.003 at MIT, or History 223 at Wellesley.
Additional study
For the required areas of subject matter knowledge listed
that are not covered by your required or other courses, additional
study will
be needed. This study provides a wonderful opportunity for
valuable, stimulating learning. Please discuss your plan
of study with our
general science subject matter advisors, with your major
advisor, and with Ken Hawes or Eric Klopfer.
