The Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education (CESME) was established in 1992 to improve elementary and secondary teacher education in science and mathematics. The Center is a joint endeavor between the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education and serves as focal point for coordinating and promoting collaborative activities among faculty members from education, science, and mathematics as well as for developing partnerships with schools, industry, and community organizations. The Center is committed to the belief that students from all backgrounds can succeed in science and mathematics.

We pursue the realization of this belief through a combination of teacher preparation and development programs, community outreach efforts and participation in collaborative ventures. We are particularly eager to work with communities with large numbers of economically disadvantaged students and under-participating racial/ethnic groups. We believe that proficiency in science and mathematics is a key to breaking the cycle of poverty and helping students embark on rewarding careers.

Because of the influential role that classroom teachers play in mathematics and science education, the Center places special emphasis on developing innovative pre-service and in-service programs to help teachers keep abreast of national and state standards. Among the most promising of these programs is our coordinated effort to revise, update and strengthen the science and mathematics content and methods courses that future elementary teachers are required to take. Complementing that endeavor is our program to enhance the student teaching experiences of future teachers by developing a cadre of teacher leaders to serve as classroom role models and coaches.

• science and mathematics be taught in context with other academic areas and real world experiences and not in isolation.
• inquiry and hands-on science and mathematics education is a natural vehicle for the development of students' reasoning and problem solving skills.
• the use of appropriate technology and teaching pedagogy must be promoted to allow students to take an active role in the learning process.
• solutions for the future will require, more than ever before, groups of people working together to solve problems.
• it is imperative for students and teachers to become life-long learners as well as active contributors to an increasingly scientific and technological world.

• Elementary and Bilingual Education
• Secondary Education
• Teaching Credential in Mathematics
• Science Teacher Education

• Director of Science Education: Dr. Victoria Costa
• Administrative Assistant:  Sylvia Milagro
• By mail:
  Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education
  California State University, Fullerton
  P.O. Box 6850, McCarthy Hall 527
  Fullerton, CA 92834-6850
• By phone: (714) 278-2068
• By email:
  • Dr. Victoria Costa: vcosta@fullerton.edu
  • Sylvia Milagro: smilagro@fullerton.edu