Improving Access to Mathematics

Book excerpt: Key experts with extensive research and classroom experience examine how the multiple dimensions of race, class, culture, power, and knowledge interact in mathematics classrooms to foster and create inequities. Chapters explore new theoretical perspectives, describe successful classroom practices, and offer insights into how we might develop an effective sociocultural approach to equity in math education. Seeing diversity as an instructional resource rather than as an obstacle to be overcome, this forward-looking volume: Helps us to understand the process by which diverse learners experience mathematics education. Examines the way students’ identities can influence their mathematics learning. Describes mathematics education programs that have demonstrated their success with poor, urban, and rural students of color. Explains why certain teaching and learning interventions are successful. Offers culturally based approaches to mathematics education, including activities for the classroom.