Mindset & Culture

SUMMARY

Every student is immersed in a mindset and culture that intentionally communicates all students can learn math at high levels while being responsive culturally and personally in a learning environment that considers each and every student’s unique background, experiences, cultural perspectives, traditions, and knowledge.  Mistakes in mathematics are normalized. Students regularly experience high-quality, grade-appropriate lessons and assignments.

Examples

Deep Dive

Once the material needs of students have been satisfied, students need to be immersed in a mathematical culture that supports them in taking risks and productively struggling with rigorous mathematics.  This is the purpose of the mindset and culture layer. Students are provided the safety and security that declares all students are capable of learning rigorous mathematics and that mistakes are normalized as a necessary components of mathematics achievement.


Instrumental in the mindset and culture layer is students' access to rigorous grade-level mathematics. The Opportunity Myth gives clear direction regarding the incredible growth in student achievement when students have access to grade-appropriate assignments, stronger instruction, deeper engagement, and higher expectations. For example, students who started the year behind grade level and were provided access to stronger instruction and grade-appropriate assignments closed gaps in student achievement by more than seven months! Moreover, teacher expectations for students’ success with grade-level content is one of the strongest predictors of student growth. 


Providing students with unfettered access to grade-level content requires teachers to create a culture for transforming mathematics learning. From Boaler's  Unlocking Children's Math Potential, five research-informed practices are provided that create an environment in which such a culture will flourish.