Math really is for everyone-so let's prove it.
You've heard it from kids, from friends, and from celebrities: "I'm bad at math." It's a line that society tends to accept without examination-after all, some people just aren't "math people," right?
Wrong. As we do with other essential skills, we need to expose the stereotypes, challenge the negative mindsets, and finally confront the systemic opportunity gaps in math education, and replace them with a new vision for what math is, who it's for, and who can excel at it. In this book you'll find
Both social commentary and a toolkit of solutions, this bold new book directly challenges the constructs that have historically dictated our perceptions of what makes someone a "math person". Only by dismantling those misplaced assumptions can we reform math education so it works for everyone. Because in truth, we are all math people.
Lidia Gonzalez is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at York College of the City University of New York. A first generation college graduate, she began her career as a high school mathematics teacher in a large, comprehensive high school in New York City. Interested in improving the mathematical experiences of urban students, her research focuses on the teaching of mathematics for social justice, the development of mathematics identity, and teacher development. She has published numerous articles and book chapters, has given talks at regional and national conferences, and is the recipient of several research grants. If you are interested in having Dr. Gonzalez come to your school to give a talk, to run an extended workshop, or to craft a customized professional learning experience, reach out to her at lgonzalez@york.cuny.edu.
Introduction
Chapter 1: What Does it Mean to be Good at Math?
Chapter 2: Beyond Numbers and Equations: What is mathematics
Chapter 3: Mathematicians and Mathematicians in Training
Chapter 4: We are All Math People
Chapter 5: Identity in Mathematics Education
Chapter 6: School Mathematics
Chapter 7: Mathematics as Gatekeeper
Chapter 8: Achievement Gaps or Opportunity Gaps?
Chapter 9: Is the School System Broken?
Chapter 10: Teaching Mathematics as a Political Act
Chapter 11: Where do we go from Here?