Reimagining Mathematics Education:  Learning from the Past in Order to Move Forward

Cultivating the Brilliance of Black Children #BlackLivesMatter
Historically, mathematics has served as a tool of oppression for Black students. The limited relevance of existing mathematics curricula to the identity and experiences of Black students impacts their efficacy and ability to engage in mathematics to bolster achievement. Presentations in this strand will focus on developing and highlighting the mathematical thinking and experiences of Black students as assets. Additionally, we want to celebrate the contributions of Black people to the history and development of the mathematical sciences. We want to highlight mathematics as a tool to bring awareness and advance social justice issues. We want to share stories of overcoming challenges. Lastly, we want to envision the promises and possibilities for the future of Black students in mathematics.

Engaging and Supporting Families and Communities
The global pandemic has illuminated the importance of family and school partnerships more than ever. Effective partnerships require educators, families, and communities to deepen collaboration and authentically engage in meaningful ways. Presentations in this strand will focus on leveraging inclusive practices that foster significant engagement with families and communities, empowering families and communities with mathematical tools, and extending equitable mathematics experiences beyond the classroom to support and advocate for all families and communities.

Reimagining Mathematics Instruction Through an Equity Lens
Imagine mathematics as a powerful tool for transforming students' lives. It can help affirm and advance relationships between educators and students, reinvent approaches to learning and collaboration, shrink long-standing equity and accessibility gaps, and adapt learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners. Mathematics instruction that incorporates rehumanizing practices includes: participation/positioning, cultures/histories, windows/mirrors, living practice, creation, broadening mathematics, body/emotions, and ownership. Presentations in this strand will support teachers in developing innovative approaches to the mathematics environment and curriculum that empower all students to engage and advocate for their learning.

Using Tools and Formative Assessment to Build Inclusive Classrooms
ALL students are mathematicians and have abilities and ideas to contribute to the mathematics classroom. The key is developing an environment that leverages their knowledge and experience to create and maintain an inclusive environment allowing them to advance their understanding of content. Presentations in this strand will explore strategies, technology, assessment, and resources for promoting success for all students in mathematics.

Building Student Identity, Fostering Agency and Promoting Social Change through the Learning of Math
School cultures play a vital role in ensuring teachers and students see themselves as mathematicians and appreciate mathematics and its role in our world. Sessions in this strand can include, but are not limited to, ways in which we broaden mathematical identity in the classroom, involve all stakeholders in the mathematical community, connect students’ home communities to their learning environment, and empower every student to extend their learning beyond the classroom to ultimately promote social change.

Catalyzing Change through Leading from Within
Teachers must see themselves as transformative leaders who facilitate change from within. Change from within explores leadership pathways outside traditional administration roles (e.g. coaching, lesson study facilitation, presenting at conferences, participation in professional organizations). Teacher leaders empower educators to ensure equitable structures and provide experiences that support understanding, positive identity, and agency for all students. Presentations in this strand will explore ideas, strategies, and areas of leverage to empower teachers to lead from within their respective environments and use the power of collaboration to improve mathematics teaching and learning.

Developing Students’ Deep Mathematical Thinking
The gateway to an appreciation and understanding of mathematics is struggling in a murky and confused space where students are free to wonder, be curious, and play with different approaches, individually and collectively. Sessions in this strand will focus on, but are not limited to, developing deep mathematical thinking that allows stakeholders to realize effective Mathematics Teaching Practices as essential elements of deep learning where students experience the joy, wonder, and beauty of mathematics.

Leveraging and Supporting the Language of Mathematics
The language of mathematics provides an opportunity for teachers to create access to authentic problem-solving experiences for English Learners. Teachers understand that they should not prohibit students from engaging in a high-quality mathematics experience, due to their culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Presentations in this strand will explore leveraging students’ culture and language to support and enhance mathematics learning.