Advancing Equity and Strengthening Teaching with Elementary Mathematical Modeling (EQSTEMM) is a teacher Professional Development project focused on strengthening K-5 teaching with mathematics modeling. Our project brings together two frameworks to advance equity in elementary math classrooms.
* Mathematical Modeling
* Culturally responsive mathematics teaching
This integration results in an approach to math modeling that is more humanizing and culturally responsive to students’ lived experiences. We have coined the term “Culturally Responsive Math Modeling.”
NSF Award # 2010269, NSF# 2008997, NSF# 2010202, NSF# 2010178
Click this link to View a brief NSF STEM for All Video about our project
What is Mathematical Modeling?
Mathematical modeling (MM) helps students make sense of real-world situations through problem-posing and decision-making. When engaged in mathematical modeling, students use mathematics to:
- Represent, interpret and analyze real-world situations
- Make a difference in issues they care about in schools, communities and every day life
What is Culturally Responsive Math Teaching?
Culturally Responsive Mathematics Teaching (CRMT) is a holistic approach to teaching mathematics that integrates students’ cultural identities, lived experiences, and community knowledge into mathematics instruction to promote equity, engagement, and deep learning.
How does Culturally Responsive Math Modeling advance equity?
Math modeling is an equity lever in elementary math classrooms because it can:
- Amplify multiple math strengths
- Empower students to draw on their experiences and identities to inform their math work
- Promote math reasoning, problem-solving and communication
- Broaden student engagement and participation
- Promotes individual and collective math agency
