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5 Tips for Eliminating School-to Prison Pipeline through Equitable Math Practices
India White • Oct 14, 2023
5 Tips to Eliminate School to Prison Pipeline!
5 Tips for Math Teachers to Combat School-to-Prison Pipeline with Equitable Math Practices
The school-to-prison pipeline is a disturbing phenomenon that disproportionately affects marginalized students, leading them from educational institutions to the criminal justice system. This usually happens from minor infractions that take place in the classroom that led to multiple unnecessary suspensions, and eventually causes learners to be expelled and enrolled in the juvenile system. For instance, there have been cases of students who were goofing off with friends, that were escorted out of their classroom by law enforcement as a result, although they did not pose a threat or harm to anyone. When these infractions add up on these students’ disciplinary records, it creates biases and has a negative psychological effect on each learner. ACLU mentions how this method of injustice has disproportionately affected students of diverse backgrounds, in particular, African American and Hispanic leaners.
Hence, as math teachers, we have a unique opportunity to challenge and disrupt this pipeline by implementing equitable math practices in our classrooms. By creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, we can empower all students to succeed and break free from this unjust cycle!
Let’s talk about five essential tips for math teachers to diffuse school-to-prison pipeline practices with equitable math practices:
1. Cultivate a Positive Classroom Culture:
Creating a positive classroom culture is crucial for fostering an inclusive learning environment. This happens when there is cultural responsiveness, empathy, and strong relationships with students. Educators must be intentional at encouraging open dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and actively listen to your students. When your students act out of character, or refuse to listen, take a moment to find out how to crack that shell and help them in their vulnerable state. Then, continue to establish clear expectations in a compassionate manner for behavior and ensure that all students feel safe and valued. By promoting a sense of belonging, you can help students develop a positive attitude towards math and education as a whole. Remember, you did not come to school to arrest students; you came to teach and support them as they evolve into productive citizens in society.
2. Incorporate Culturally Relevant Math:
Teachers should strive to make math relatable and culturally relevant to your students' lives. This can be accomplished as teachers integrate real-world examples, diverse mathematical contributions, and culturally significant contexts into your lessons. Choosing to celebrate learners by their cultural distinctions through prestigious leaders in their community and or highlighting neat facts about their ethnicity is key for connecting students to math. As mentioned in Ed Week, by connecting math to their experiences, you can engage students who may have previously felt disconnected from the subject and convince them that they belong.
Choose to see each learner for what they bring into the math space and give them a moment to have their voices empowered. These approaches help students see the relevance and applicability of math beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject.
3. Provide Differentiated Instruction:
Recognize that students have different learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. Guess what? Sometimes, students just “don’t get it” like we got it! Hence, we have to put ourselves in their shoes, and take off the hat of judgment and choose to relate to their struggle in the math class. Some students have barriers of math anxiety, fear from their guardians of math due to years of pressure at home, and a lack of support in their communities. Hence, implementing differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse needs of your students is needed to make sure that every angle is covered and that students can flow metacognitively as they learn the math. Choose to offer various entry points to math problems, provide multiple representations, and encourage your students to engage in collaborative problem-solving. Further, choose to challenge your learners in the math and refuse to assume that they don’t want the more challenging problems because they “can’t do that level of math yet.” By tailoring your teaching to individual students, you can ensure that everyone has an opportunity to succeed and feel valued in the math classroom.
4. Address Implicit Bias: Implicit biases can unintentionally influence our interactions with students, perpetuating inequities. Sometimes, society can make educators feel that students from underserved communities cannot do math, and simply aren’t motivated or interested. However, this has been proven several times to be incorrect. Educators, choose to reflect on your own biases and actively work to address them. Work on your level of biases and see how you can reflect in a way that will help you address any unknown biases that have been detrimental to students. Allow yourself to challenge stereotypes and assumptions about students' mathematical abilities based on their race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Begin treating all students with equal respect and provide equitable opportunities for participation and success. Remember, your character can be measured by how you treat people that you feel are less than you that cannot do anything for you! Hence, build your character and choose to show love and compassion and treat all students…. EQUALLY. Your students are trusting you to help them learn math, so keep the main thing the main thing! By being aware of and actively combating implicit biases, you can create a fair and inclusive learning environment.
5. Foster Student Agency and Empowerment:
Empower students to take ownership of their learning and make decisions about their mathematical journey. This can only be effectively done when teachers have developed a love and compassion for EACH learner and is truly an advocate for their students. Choose to encourage student voice and choice in the classroom, allowing them to explore topics of interest and solve problems in ways that resonate with them. Refuse to allow any form of dehumanization in your class, whether that’s students being exposed to racism, bullying, or hatred in any other form. Provide opportunities for students to collaborate, share their ideas, and engage in critical thinking. By fostering student agency
you can help students develop a sense of ownership and confidence in their mathematical abilities, reducing the likelihood of disengagement and negative outcomes.
Conclusion
As math teachers, we have a responsibility to challenge and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by implementing equitable math practices. Your kids need you to protect them, not sign them up for prison. By cultivating a positive classroom culture, incorporating culturally relevant math, providing differentiated instruction, addressing implicit bias, and fostering student agency, we can create an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. Let us commit to breaking the cycle and empowering our students to reach their full potential, both academically and personally. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every student has an equitable opportunity to succeed in math and beyond.
‼️So grateful for the opportunity to hear testimonials and reviews from a few rockstar educators about their takeaways and experiences from my Equitable math 🧮 practices session at MCTM in Minnesota this weekend🤩! It's inspiring to hear teachers who provide feedback and work to close the achievement gap. 🥰Let's continue learning from each other and making a difference in the lives of our students! #teacherappreciation #education #equitablemath #achievementgap #drindiawhite #teachers #tedx #equity Check out the session highlights here:
‼️Listen as a gritty Middle Eastern teacher explains how attending my Equity Keynote at the Math conference, helped her connect her experience as a BIPOC educator with her perspective on how to implement equitable practices for all students and relate to students of different cultures! #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #dei #math #education #teachers #students #bipoc #savvas #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #habse #uf
I urge you to take a moment to listen to Dr. India White's enlightening TEDx talk, "The Power of Grit," where she delves into what drives grit in the lives of leaders, teachers, and students every day. In this captivating presentation, Dr. White offers invaluable insights into the transformative potential of grit—the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. As educators and leaders, we play a pivotal role in instilling and nurturing grit among our students and colleagues. Dr. White's talk serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we cultivate grit within ourselves and those we influence. I encourage you to watch the TEDx talk for a deeper understanding of how grit can drive success in our classrooms, workplaces, and lives.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Alumni Gainesville reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Young Alumni reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks Podcast with Dr. India White, where we will discuss spaced vs. mass practice for teachers! Visit www.india-white.com for more information #drindiawhite #grit #equity
🥳As the opening keynote at the WMC Annual conference, I had the opportunity to discuss equitable math practices with teachers. I am grateful to have gifted 30 copies of the Equity Counts book collaboration after my session! 🤩Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for making this happen🥰. The best is yet to come for Wisconsin teachers and students! #EquitableMath #Education #EquityCounts #savvas #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #WisconsinTeachers #StudentSuccess #wismath24 #nctm #ncsm… See more — at On Green Lake in Wisconsin.
Hanging out wit the tribe! I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at @WisMathCouncil 🤩 We applied the concept of grit in their classroom! Thanks to @SavvasLearning!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
This morning, I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at WMC's Annual Math Conference. 🤩The conference was a great success, with attendees discussing the importance of grit in both teachers and students. I’m excited to see Wisconsin teachers apply the concept of grit in their classrooms and help their students develop this crucial! Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for the support and encouragement!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
‼️Attention all Wisconsin teachers! Are you ready to enhance your teaching skills and help your students develop their grit😃? If so, don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase my Grit Workbook at a discounted price! 🤗I have 50 copies available at WMC, so come and grab your copy this week🤩! #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers