Some Impacts of Ongoing Learning about Racial Justice in Mathematics Education

Lara Jasien,

Nashville, TN

larajasien@cpm.org

Stephanie Castaneda,

Round Rock, TX

stephaniecastaneda@cpm.org

Rhonda Pierre,

Indianapolis, IN

rhondapierre@cpm.org

Brianna Ruiz,

Sacramento, CA

briannaruiz@cpm.org

Jocelyn Dunnack,

Columbia, CT

jocelyndunnack@cpm.org

Danielle Boggs,

Champaign, IL

danielleboggs@cpm.org

In the May and September newsletters, we shared about our experiences leading a book study on Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? by Beverly TatumHere we share our final written reflection on leading the book study, focusing on how and where we see the impact of the book study and the next steps to continue learning and taking action.

The book is grounded in research and gave us more confidence and urgency to speak up against the framing of conversations about racial justice as divisive and political. These conversations are for inclusion and community building.

Our colleagues who participated in the book study are able to identify evidence of racism in places they did not see it before. For example, recently, at a national conference, a colleague overheard two women of color noting that “nothing has changed” as they observed that a particular session had lines running down the hall. This employee noted that before the book study they would not have understood what the women were talking about, but now was able to infer that they were referencing the fact that a session led by a White male edu-celebrity was over attended while equity sessions on racial justice were under-attended (at least while the edu-celebrity was presenting).

In our September newsletter article, we shared quotes from CPM employees who are also teachers. Participating in the book study gave these teachers more tools to view students and situations in new ways. For example, one teacher shared how they used to misinterpret the loudness of some Black boys in their school’s hallways as disruptive but now views these boys as building a sense of belongingness with each other. When teachers, and we all, redress our racial misconceptions and biases then we are more likely to avoid actions that have real consequences for students.

Dr. Nicole Joseph has presented on the real consequences for Black girls when teachers are unaware of their biases. (see her speak more on this here). A Georgetown Law study of teachers’ perceptions of Black girls found that teachers adultify Black girls: they view Black girls as needing less nurturing, less protection, less support, and less comfort (Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood). This leads to disproportionate disciplinary action for Black girls for subjective reasons and to harsher punishment for the same behavior as their White girl peers (see the graphic from the study). Like the bulk of the teaching population, the majority of teachers in this study were White females. This tells us that White female teachers — including in schools serving predominantly students of color — contribute to the adultification of Black girls. No matter how you identify, take time to reflect on how you might adultify Black girls or remain silent when you observe your colleagues doing so. What can you do differently?

When we hear teachers say that they are viewing the actions of students of color in more humanistic and asset-based ways, the impact on students’ lives and education is potentially profound. When we are able to look at what is happening around us and say “There. There is an example of systemic racism, adultification of students, or centering White culture in schools,” we can choose to do something about it. We can choose to go to the equity sessions at a conference, particularly sessions hosted by people of color. We can question our assumptions of what students’ behavior might mean and look for alternative, generous explanations. We can continue educating ourselves so that we are better able to see (Choosing to See).

If we all better understand the experiences/identities of people with different identities than our own we might be able to establish stronger connections with our colleagues and students by way of creating safer learning and working environments where everyone feels they belong.

The next steps for individual CPM participants vary. Some people are continuing the conversation in smaller groups, advocating for future book studies, and applying what they learned to build a stronger work environment that values multiple perspectives and cultures. CPM teachers and other school leaders are starting book studies and leading learning opportunities on their campuses.

What has this series of articles inspired you to do? What impact have you made on your sphere of influence? Share your ideas with @CPMmath on Twitter.

If you would like to contact us for more information, please fill out this form, and we will get back to you: https://forms.gle/rbaFxW6mzQwRQfUM7.

You are now leaving cpmstg.wpengine.com.

Did you want to leave cpmstg.wpengine.com?

I want to leave cpmstg.wpengine.com.

No, I want to stay on cpmstg.wpengine.com

Algebra Tiles Blue Icon

Algebra Tiles Session

  • Used throughout CPM middle and high school courses
  • Concrete, geometric representation of algebraic concepts.
  • Two-hour virtual session,
  •  Learn how students build their conceptual understanding of simplifying algebraic expressions
  • Solving equations using these tools.  
  • Determining perimeter,
  • Combining like terms,
  • Comparing expressions,
  • Solving equations
  • Use an area model to multiply polynomials,
  • Factor quadratics and other polynomials, and
  • Complete the square.
  • Support the transition from a concrete (manipulative) representation to an abstract model of mathematics..

Foundations for Implementation

This professional learning is designed for teachers as they begin their implementation of CPM. This series contains multiple components and is grounded in multiple active experiences delivered over the first year. This learning experience will encourage teachers to adjust their instructional practices, expand their content knowledge, and challenge their beliefs about teaching and learning. Teachers and leaders will gain first-hand experience with CPM with emphasis on what they will be teaching. Throughout this series educators will experience the mathematics, consider instructional practices, and learn about the classroom environment necessary for a successful implementation of CPM curriculum resources.

Page 2 of the Professional Learning Progression (PDF) describes all of the components of this learning event and the additional support available. Teachers new to a course, but have previously attended Foundations for Implementation, can choose to engage in the course Content Modules in the Professional Learning Portal rather than attending the entire series of learning events again.

Edit Content

Building on Instructional Practice Series

The Building on Instructional Practice Series consists of three different events – Building on Discourse, Building on Assessment, Building on Equity – that are designed for teachers with a minimum of one year of experience teaching with CPM instructional materials and who have completed the Foundations for Implementation Series.

Building on Equity

In Building on Equity, participants will learn how to include equitable practices in their classroom and support traditionally underserved students in becoming leaders of their own learning. Essential questions include: How do I shift dependent learners into independent learners? How does my own math identity and cultural background impact my classroom? The focus of day one is equitable classroom culture. Participants will reflect on how their math identity and mindsets impact student learning. They will begin working on a plan for Chapter 1 that creates an equitable classroom culture. The focus of day two and three is implementing equitable tasks. Participants will develop their use of the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Meaningful Mathematical Discussions and curate strategies for supporting all students in becoming leaders of their own learning. Participants will use an equity lens to reflect on and revise their Chapter 1 lesson plans.

Building on Assessment

In Building on Assessment, participants will apply assessment research and develop methods to provide feedback to students and inform equitable assessment decisions. On day one, participants will align assessment practices with learning progressions and the principle of mastery over time as well as write assessment items. During day two, participants will develop rubrics, explore alternate types of assessment, and plan for implementation that supports student ownership. On the third day, participants will develop strategies to monitor progress and provide evidence of proficiency with identified mathematics content and practices. Participants will develop assessment action plans that will encourage continued collaboration within their learning community.

Building on Discourse

In Building on Discourse, participants will improve their ability to facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse. This learning experience will encourage participants to adjust their instructional practices in the areas of sharing math authority, developing independent learners, and the creation of equitable classroom environments. Participants will plan for student learning by using teaching practices such as posing purposeful questioning, supporting productive struggle, and facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse. In doing so, participants learn to support students collaboratively engaged with rich tasks with all elements of the Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices incorporated through intentional and reflective planning.