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Master Science Teacher Overview
Legislation passed in 2003 (House Bill 411) required the creation of the Master Science Teacher (MST) Certificate, the development of standards for the certificate, and the development of Master Science Teacher certification examinations in grades EC-4, 4-8, and 8-12. The Master Science Teacher certificate was created by the 78th Texas legislature "to ensure that there are teachers with special training to work with other teachers and with students in order to improve student science performance." A committee composed of science instruction experts representing Texas public schools, educator preparation programs, Texas citizens, and governmental policymakers met to formulate and refine the MST standards. After review by state and national science experts, the standards were approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) at the August 2004 Board meeting.
DEFINITION: |
A Master Science Teacher is an individual who holds a Master Science Teacher Certificate and whose primary duties are to teach science and to serve as a science mentor to other teachers. |
PURPOSE: |
The Master Science Teacher Certificate is being implemented as a part of the Texas Science Initiative, which offers science educators assistance to improve student performance in science. |
ELIGIBILITY: |
The Master Science Teacher Certificate may be obtained by an individual who holds a teaching certificate, has at least three years of teaching experience, completes an SBEC-approved Master Science Teacher preparation program, and passes the Master Science Teacher certification exam. |
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has notified existing educator preparation programs, regional education service centers, school districts, and other interested entities of the opportunity to provide Master Science Teacher preparation programs. These entities, as well as others, may design MST programs to be implemented beginning in 2005. The certification examinations were administered for the first time in September 2005.
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Master Science Teacher standards should be integrated into newly designed programs. The MST standards are based on the rigorous EC-4, 4-8, 8-12 Science educator standards and reflect the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Early Childhood through Grade 12 science. The MST standards require mastery of:
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Content (TEKS for grade appropriate Physical, Life, Earth and Space Sciences) |
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History, Nature, and Context of Science |
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Scientific Inquiry |
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Alignment and Integration |
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Safety |
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Inclusive Instruction |
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Learning and Teaching Environment |
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Student Assessment |
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Mentoring and Shared Leadership |
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Preparation programs will provide SBEC with a matrix that documents the integration of MST standards into their programs and how these standards will be assessed. |
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Programs will seek approval from SBEC. Click here for information on the program approval process. |
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Programs are subject to the Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP). |
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Board Members
