Context matters: How should we conceptualize equity in mathematics education?

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Focusing on contexts of learning reminds us that no category of teachers or students is homogeneous. It also helps clarify equity - a necessary clarification, given the lack of consensus on what it is. Equity means fairness, not sameness. As such, this chapter elaborates on equity by highlighting four dimensions in mathematics education. ‘Access’ to tangible resources dominated equity discussions in the 1980s and continues in ‘opportunity to learn’ research. ‘Achievement’ refers to participation in quality mathematics classes and success in them. It is paramount in standardized tests and ‘achievement gap’ discourses. ‘Identity’ refers to supporting students in becoming better persons in their own eyes, which requires attention to their roots and a balance between attention to self and others. The ‘power’ dimension takes up issues of social transformation at many levels. Access and achievement are positioned as the dominant axis of equity. Identity and power form the critical axis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEquity in Discourse for Mathematics Education
Subtitle of host publicationTheories, Practices, and Policies
EditorsBeth Herbel-Eisenmann, Jeffrey Choppin, David Wagner, David Pimm
PublisherSpringer
Pages17-33
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9789400728134
ISBN (Print)9789400728127
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2012

Publication series

NameMathematics Education Library
Volume55

Keywords

  • high school student
  • mathematics education
  • African American student
  • teacher candidate
  • mathematics education research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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