A Crisis In Math

How can we begin to close the learning gaps that exist among students of color? It will take a bit of forward-thinking and some strategic partnerships

Here at Village Life Education, creating equitable environments for students from diverse backgrounds is at the core of who we are and what we do. 

The Math Literacy Project emerged from troubling inequitable experiences and outcomes in math classrooms for K-12 students. National, state, and local data indicate persistent learning gaps, with low percentages of Black, Latino, and American Indian/Indigenous students meeting or exceeding state and national standards. Using rough estimates, a mere 20% of Black, Latino, and American Indian/Indigenous students demonstrated proficiency in math in the past decade. This means that a staggering 80% failed to achieve adequate math standards. (California Department of Education, 2022; National Report Card, 2022)

These students are likely to end the school year without mastering core mathematical concepts while suffering from a lack of confidence and access to quality math instruction. Further exacerbating matters, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a widening of learning gaps amongst Black, Latino, and American Indian/Indigenous students, especially those attending schools in high-poverty communities.

So what can we do to begin to change the tide?

Several school districts and charter organizations have collaborated with Village Life Education to enhance their math practices through the Math Literacy Project. These schools have included Adelanto Elementary School District, Banning Unified School District, Dayton Public Schools, and ISANA Academies. 

Over 200 teachers were engaged in culturally responsive practices, student-centered lesson planning, and strategies to build a content-rich experience. The impact was immediate. Many teachers shared their appreciation for a platform that allowed them a chance to probe the research on math identity, and a safe space to ask critical questions on how to improve their practice in order to engage students in meaningful ways. (Martin, 2012)

One hundred percent of past participants now have access to a repository of resources, activities, and websites to make their lessons fun, impactful, and exciting for students. Teachers were encouraged to enhance their classroom design to ensure the contributions of Black, Latino, and Women of Color as research has shown that children connect better when there is both real-life application and representation as they learn. In addition, teachers were equipped to build math word walls in order to help students develop and further the use of rich mathematical & academic language by their learners for the 2022-23 School Year.

This is just a taste of what forward thinking and partnership with Village Life Education can bring to your school, district, or academic community. 

Are you ready to equip your staff for change?

Reach out today to discuss how we can help your students and teachers gain confidence through math.