Strengthening Mathematical Reasoning among Middle School Students with Hidden or Unmet Potential: A Practitioner Text

(Paperback)

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This work seeks to contribute to the national dialogue regarding best practices in teaching middle school mathematics. The authors are committed to improving mathematics achievement and opportunities for students whose inherited circumstances place them at a perceptible disadvantage. Most refer to said students as risks. We hold the position that these students, irrespective of their backgrounds, possess Hidden or Unmet Potential and the unveiling of their potential can be accelerated when they are exposed to high-quality mathematics teaching. This book is a practitioners guide to creative mathematics activities centered on algebraic, proportional, and geometric reasoning aligned with mathematics standards. This approach has the potential to accelerate the mathematical confidence and accentuate the mathematical proficiencies of students.

Reviews

This book provides a practical and engaging guide for teaching mathematics with interactive lesson plans designed to be utilized by a wide range of professionals ranging from mathematics teacher educators to instructional coaches. -- Thomasenia Lott Adams, Associate Dean for Research & Faculty Development College of Education, University of Florida
Dr. Peter Sheppard and his NSF Robert Noyce Fellows invite the reader to peer into middle school mathematics classrooms to see how successful teachers develop and roll out lessons on a variety of math strands. The voices of these stellar teachers come through loudly and clearly in this book. It is a must read for both new and veteran teachers who would like to have new ideas to spark student interest in learning math. The book, filled with authentic teaching tips, teacher plans, and student task sheets, is perfect for use in school planning meetings. -- Anne Papakonstantinou, EdD, Clinical Professor of Mathematics, Wiess School of Natural Sciences Director, Rice University School Mathematics Project

Author Bio

Dr. Peter Sheppard is a former middle school mathematics teacher who is passionate about developing potential in students and teachers. He is currently a Professor and Department Head of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.



Dr. Melissa A. Gallagher is a former elementary school teacher and K-6 mathematics coach whose research focuses on supporting emergent bilingual students in the mathematics classroom. She is currently an Assistant Professor in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.