Four Elements of Equitable Math Learning Communities: An Introduction
Lynne Godfrey and Marta Garcia
November 20, 2024 (7-8 pm EST)
Description: This session will introduce and discuss four elements that are critical to developing and sustaining equitable mathematics classrooms in the elementary grades. These four areas– deep and rigorous mathematics; equitable participation in a collaborative mathematics community; strength-based assessment and accommodation; connections to students, their families and their communities– taken together are cornerstones of an equitable mathematics learning community. You will have an opportunity in this session to do your own reflection on these four elements and consider implications for your own practice.
Lynne Godfrey works with schools and districts to design and facilitate professional learning with coaches, teachers, and administrators, to grow ambitious, equitable learning communities in their schools. As an educator Lynne served in Boston, Cambridge and Boston Teacher Residency as: a classroom teacher (grades 2-8), a school and district math coach, an upper school coordinator, and the director of instruction, curriculum and adult development for mathematics. Her local and national work with Bob Moses and the Algebra Project, for over thirty years, has influenced and sustained her ongoing commitment to access and equity for all adults and all children in mathematics, where ambitious teaching and learning are a civil right.
Marta Garcia has been a teacher, math coach, and consultant in the field for over thirty years. She has taught in the classroom using the Investigations curriculum (all three editions) and has coached in a variety of school and classroom settings to support implementation of the curriculum. She is a consultant for the TERC Investigations workshops, facilitates a Virtual Coaches Math PLC, and teaches graduate courses in Mathematics Teacher Leadership. Marta is committed to work that focuses on ways to make mathematics accessible, joyful, and equitable.