January 2010
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To achieve the central goal of promoting learning of math and science for all students, AlACiMa included interventions to strengthen the preparation of future K-12 math and science teachers, increase the number of certified math and science teachers, and support the induction of novice math and science teachers. While the main thrust of AlACiMa was the professional development of in-service mathematics and science (M&S) teachers, addressing the professional development of future and new generations of teachers was also an important element of the initiative. For this purpose, a component was established based on the collaboration of teams of faculty from the teacher preparation programs of the four University of Puerto Rico IHE partners and the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE). The lead AlACiMa institution, the Rio Piedras Campus, is a Research Intensive University whose teacher preparation programs (TPP) have been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education since 1953. It prepares teachers from preschool to secondary levels in all curricular areas, including science and mathematics. The Mayagüez campus also prepares teachers in all levels by providing undergraduate majors in disciplinary fields with teacher certification course requirements towards a certification in secondary education through the Division of Continued Education and Professional Studies. The Cayey campus prepares teachers in elementary and intermediate levels, and the Humacao campus prepares K-3 teachers. Personnel participating from the PRDE’s Institute for Professional Development were in charge of promoting teacher certification to meet Federal requirements and the development and implementation of the induction program for new teachers through funding of several state grants under the No Child Left Behind Act, such as the Teacher Quality Enhancement Partnership Grant:Supporting Teacher Excellence and Professionalism (STEP) of the U.S. Department of Education.