The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) of Mathematical Practice describe a set of “process and proficiencies” which represent expectations for the ways in which students practice mathematics. Urban Teachers has developed four beliefs about mathematics practices based on a vision of culturally relevant teaching and social justice mathematics and have utilized Matthews et al (2013) framework for Culturally Relevant Cognitively Demanding Mathematics Tasks of importance for promoting just and equitable learning experiences are Teaching Tolerance (2017) social justice standards released by the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

This Project Team led by Dr. Lou Matthews (Urban Teachers) and Colleen Hinds-Rodgers (Teach for America) spent more than a year conducting an extensive literature review, framework analysis and co-generative dialogues with students, teachers and experts. Project work initiated with contributions from 100Kin10 member organizations: Urban Teachers, Teach for America, Charles A. Dana Center, Virginia State University, University of Missouri, Teaching Matters Inc., EnCorps STEM Teachers Program, ExpandEd Schools, Downtown Denver Expeditionary School, and California State University.

Finally, the project team arrived at a subset of 5 practices that are inspiring, humanizing and joyful -- showing the way for teachers and teacher preparation programs for what type of learning can be true for students in mathematics classrooms across this country, and seeing the work of liberation and education as inextricably married. This is not meant to be another static directive in time but rather our hopes are that the mathematics education community at large contributes questions, suggestions and resources as we continue to iterate our thinking in pursuit of better access to empowering STEM learning for all. Check out the website they created to learn more. 

If you have any questions or feedback for the team, please reach out to Dr. Lou Matthews (Director of Mathematics and Science, Urban Teachers) and/or Colleen Hinds-Rodgers (National MD STEM,TLD Teach for America).

This project addresses the foundational math catalyst, a 100Kin10 priority area. Learn more here.