Common Denominators

Engage students in learning mathematics while cultivating a sense of belonging. This helpful guide for secondary mathematics teachers shows you how to shape equitable classrooms by evaluating beliefs and practices that keep students and teachers stuck. Research-backed strategies and personal stories illustrate effective ways to resolve unproductive power dynamics, promote emotional literacy, and create a classroom environment conducive to optimal learning.

This book will help secondary mathematics teachers:

Develop strategies to discern the reasons students are struggling with mathematics
Learn sustainable methods for perceiving unasked questions and target solutions focused on underlying needs
Navigate challenging classroom behavior
Cultivate a supportive classroom environment and reframe zero-sum interactions with students
Evaluate traditional grading and assessments and reform current practices to align with research-based best practice and students’ best interests

Contents:

Introduction: Teacher, Where You From?

Part 1: What Our Students Say to Us

Chapter 1: I Don’t Have a Pencil

Chapter 2: When Am I Ever Going to Use This?

Chapter 3: Not Today, Ms. Lenhardt

Chapter 4: I’m Always in Trouble!

Chapter 5: I’m Not a Math Person

Part 2: What We Say to One Another

Chapter 6: I Don’t Give Grades; My Students Earn Them

Chapter 7: If Only Students Knew Their Facts

Chapter 8: I Have 250 Students Every Semester. I Can’t Possibly . . .

Epilogue

Appendix A: Research Influences

Appendix B: Sources for Mathematics Tasks, Lessons, and Professional Learning

References and Resources

Index