Culturally Responsive Math Education
You’ve likely heard of culturally responsive math education (CRME). But what about culturally responsive math assessment! How can we assess students’ mathematical knowledge and competencies through the practices of CRME?
In this series, we explored the nature of culturally responsive mathematics education through connections to land, story, community and mathematics. We looked to nature and Indigenous perspectives to conceptualize learning that includes cycles of feedback (with self, others, environment, and materials) and discussed approaches and principles for culturally responsive math assessment.
Sessions included:
- Culturally Responsive Math Education
- Looking to Nature: Math Education Assessment as Cycles of Feedback
- Practicing Culturally Responsive Math Assessment
Session 1: Culturally Responsive Math Education
In this opening session, educators explored how Indigenous Storywork’s principles, such as reverence and reciprocity, can shift our approach to teaching and assessing mathematics. Through real classroom examples, reflection prompts, and guiding questions, the session challenged us to reimagine what counts as math, how we assess it, and who gets to decide.
Presenters included:
- Cynthia Nicol (UBC)
- Jo-ann Archibald Q’um Q’um Xiiem (UBC & Dogwood 25)
- Janice Novakowski (SD 38 Richmond and UBC)
- Stephanie Lafrance (UBC)
- Leyton Schnellert (UBC)
Session 2: Looking to Nature: Math Education Assessment as Cycles of Feedback
This second session invited educators to explore math assessment through cycles of feedback inspired by natural systems and guided by Indigenous Storywork principles. Presenters shared ways to build trusting relationships, value collaboration and individual strengths, and ensure that assessments contribute to students’ identities while supporting the well-being of families and communities.
Presenters included:
- Cynthia Nicol (UBC)
- Jo-ann Archibald Q’um Q’um Xiiem (UBC & Dogwood 25)
- Janice Novakowski (UBC, School District 38)
- Stephanie Lafrance (UBC)
- Leyton Schnellert (UBC)
Session 3: Practicing Culturally Responsive Math Assessment
In this final session, presenters explored the nature of culturally responsive mathematics assessment through the lens of land-based learning and Indigenous Storywork principles, sharing examples and resources. Guided by the principles of synergy, holism, and interrelatedness, the session highlighted how these Indigenous perspectives can transform how we teach and assess mathematics.
Presenters included:
- Cynthia Nicol (UBC)
- Jo-ann Archibald Q’um Q’um Xiiem (UBC & Dogwood 25)
- Janice Novakowski (UBC, School District 38)
- Stephanie Lafrance (UBC)
- Leyton Schnellert (UBC)