48251 MTH_Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Key Takeaways for Math Classrooms (Summer 2023)

Course Description: All students can and will learn at high levels when provided the type of instruction described in Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond. The framework Hammond offers skillfully weaves together cultural knowledge (students’ cultural identities and how they see and make meaning of the world) with neuroscience (what we now know about how the brain processes and retains information) – the real artistry of culturally responsive pedagogy.

In this course, we will examine the key Ideas from the book and how to apply them to mathematics classrooms. This work calls us to action by mandating that we move beyond looking for student outcomes that rely heavily on the regurgitation of memorized facts to applying the information learned to new situations. Each child’s life outcomes are dependent on their ability to think critically. The Key Ideas from Zaretta Hammond effectively provides an analysis of the connection between brain-based science and culturally responsive instruction. These ideas are critical to creating the mindset shift needed to implement rigorous instructional practices to support all students.  

Participants will experience routines and protocols being modeled and collaboratively reflect on their purposes for equitable math instruction. This course is not dependent on participants reading the book. We will highlight key areas to focus on using excerpts from the book. Participants must attend the full 2 hours to receive credit for this course. No partial credit will be granted. 

Target Audience:  All RCSD Educators

PLI/CTLE Hours: 2

Date:    7/20/23 12:30 pm-2:30 pm or

8/10/23 9:30 am-11:30 am

48248 MTH_eLearning: Discussions Around Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain (Summer 2023)

Course Description: Any staff who supports teaching Math K-8. Participants will need to purchase the book to participate in the Professional Learning. Participants will be guided through the book, Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain, by Zaretta Hammond. They will get the most from the reading by answering reflective questions that will push their thinking and sharpen their equity lens.  In addition, the discussion questions and collaborative reading process will help develop a shared language around culturally responsive practice.  Information around culturally responsive pedagogy will be discussed, along with neuroscience research to offer an innovative approach for designing and implementing brain-based culturally responsive instruction. Key moves will be examined to prepare students to become independent learners.   Participants will engage in discussion boards, as well as tasks around topics within the book.  This course is intended for PK-12 Math Teachers or supports math instruction.  The course will be open for 4 weeks and will take roughly 12 hours to complete. No partial credit for this course will be granted 

Target Audience:  K-8 Math Educators

PLI/CTLE Hours: 12

Date:    7/10/23-8/4/23 or 8/7/23-9/4/23

Time: eLearning