NMSI Blog

Culturally Responsive Math Education

April 24, 2024

In the past year of classroom resets, national declines in math scores, and a shift in focus to culturally relevant education, math was at the forefront of every discussion. As National Math and Science Initiative has jumped into action to prepare teachers for their math classrooms, district leaders also continue to push for more comprehensive math education to pull their students back up to the levels at which they should be performing. NMSI is a proud partner of these leaders, assisting teachers in their search for quality programming and classroom activities that will help their students.

Culturally responsive math education is important now more than ever as students struggle to see the value in math and find space for themselves in a STEM-powered society that continues to marginalize students representing underserved communities.

Culturally responsive math education is a transformative approach that seeks to bridge this education gap by integrating diverse cultural perspectives, experiences and contexts into the learning process. Practicing math through the lens of real world scenarios and practical life experiences allows students to connect math to their community.This article advocates for the importance of culturally responsive math education and explores practical strategies to make math classrooms more equitable for historically marginalized students.

The Need for Culturally Responsive Math Education

The need for culturally responsive math education stems from the historic lack of resources given to students who need additional support to feel as confident in their math skills as their peers. Black, Latine, and Indigenous students, especially girls, are less likely than their peers to ask questions in class or seek assistance. These students are also more likely to experience imposter syndrome, needing the support of community to break down those beliefs and provide encouragement. With equitable support and a strong STEM foundation, underrepresented groups of students are empowered to explore STEM pathways, enroll in rigorous STEM coursework and pursue advanced STEM careers.

There are three key reasons our society needs culturally responsive math education.

Cultural Relevance Fosters Engagement: Culturally responsive math education acknowledges and values the diverse backgrounds of students. By incorporating culturally relevant examples, real-world applications and mathematical problems that connect students with communities and social issues, educators can enhance student engagement and interest in math.
Building Mathematical Identity: Many students from underrepresented communities may struggle with a sense of belonging in math classrooms. Culturally responsive education works to build positive mathematical identity by affirming students' cultural backgrounds. When students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, they are more likely to develop confidence and a sense of belonging in the world of mathematics.
Addressing Stereotypes and Biases: Culturally responsive math education challenges and dismantles stereotypes and biases associated with race and ethnicity. It actively works to create an inclusive learning environment where all students, regardless of their cultural background, feel seen, heard, and respected. This helps to break down barriers that may hinder academic success for marginalized students.

Strategies for Creating Equitable Math Classrooms

Developing culturally responsive math education is clearly important, but it has to begin in the classroom. Educators have a responsibility to their students to ensure that each student can see themselves in the curriculum being taught, working so that each student is also able to see themselves succeeding in the subject being taught despite a perceived barrier to entry. These are just a few practical applications and strategies for creating an equitable math classroom which school and district leaders can help their teachers implement while providing support and professional development for those teachers to ensure classroom success.

Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum: Integrate diverse mathematical contributions from different cultures and historical perspectives into the curriculum. Highlight the achievements of mathematicians from underrepresented groups and incorporate cultural contexts into math problems to make the content more relatable.
Culturally Aware Teaching Practices: Educators should undergo training to develop cultural competence, understanding the cultural backgrounds and learning styles of their students. By adopting teaching methods that resonate with diverse learners, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive math learning environment.
Collaborative and Community-Based Learning: Foster collaborative and community-based learning approaches that encourage students to draw on their cultural strengths and experiences. Group projects, discussions and community involvement can provide opportunities for students to apply mathematical concepts in meaningful ways.
Equitable Assessment Practices: Reevaluate assessment practices to ensure they are culturally fair and unbiased. Consider diverse ways of evaluating students' mathematical proficiency, such as project-based assessments that allow students to showcase their understanding in ways that align with their cultural strengths.
Supporting Diversity in the Teaching Force: Actively recruit and retain educators from diverse backgrounds. A more diverse teaching force can serve as role models, better understand the needs of students from underrepresented communities, and contribute to a more inclusive learning environment.

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Professional Development Programs for Culturally Responsive Educators

Teachers will be best prepared to implement the strategies outlined above in your school with the help of supportive professional development programming. National Math and Science Initiative is here to provide just that. Our teacher trainings and professional development will give your teachers the tools and resources they need to create an equitable environment in their classroom while implementing culturally responsive education techniques.

NMSI is equipped to aid teachers in all types of classrooms, from our College Readiness Program, which focuses on helping teachers create AP testing strategies, to our Laying the Foundation services, which give teachers the resources to teach critical thinking skills to students in grades 3-12. Services like our content workshops and 1:1 coaching sessions are tailored to the needs of your teachers and community, creating an environment where your teachers feel supported and reinvigorated, equipped to give the students in your school the best possible education.

Support Your Teachers, Support Your Students

Culturally responsive math education is not only essential for promoting equity in the classroom but also for preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. By integrating diverse perspectives, experiences and cultural contexts into math education, we can empower students to excel in mathematics, fostering a future where all students have equal opportunities for success.

Our mission here at NMSI is to help these students furthest from opportunity reach their full potential as future leaders and problem-solvers. To do that, we must commit to giving them a classroom and curriculum that reflects their identities and needs.

Let NMSI help you and your teachers give your students access to culturally responsive math education. Connect with our team today to get started!