In our ever-changing landscape of education, staying in tune with the latest guidelines and frameworks is crucial to our development as educators.
In the summer of 2023, the California Mathematics Framework was approved and now serves as a comprehensive guide to shape California mathematics curricula and curricula across the country. This framework is aimed at supporting school districts and educators with foundational ways to align their mathematics instruction with the demands of the standards.
Let’s delve into five key takeaways from this transformative framework that puts students at the center of the learning experience.
Creating an Equitable Learning Environment: Embracing Diversity & Fostering Mathematical Mindsets
The 2023 California Mathematics Framework places a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and the cultivation of a growth mindset among all students. Gone are the days of perceiving mathematical ability as innate or fixed; instead, the focus should be on fostering resilience, perseverance, and a belief in one’s capacity to learn and improve.
Through meaningful tasks that recognize that every student brings a unique lived experience to the classroom, the framework advocates for educators to consider ways to adapt and integrate relevant and relatable content. This allows students to engage in collaborative problem-solving, receive constructive feedback, and see the practicality and applicability of mathematics in the real-world.
Revisiting Rigor: Pursuing Conceptual Understanding, Problem-Solving, and Application with Equal Intensity
Rather than focusing solely on procedural skill and fluency, the California Mathematics Framework encourages connecting mathematical ideas to everyday contexts. The framework encourages students to consistently engage in problem-solving that allows students to discover the underlying principles and reasoning behind mathematical operations. Students need the opportunity to productively struggle with ideas independently and collaboratively to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.
The Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) center around each student’s learning experience and should serve as a foundational planning resource as teachers think about crafting student learning experiences. By fostering a solid foundation of conceptual understanding, students are better equipped to apply their knowledge in unknown situations and solve more complex problems confidently.
Focusing on Access and Equity
Access and equity are central ideas to the California Mathematics Framework. The diverse landscape of California requires that educators routinely consider the range of cultures, experiences, and learning needs within their classrooms to ensure that all learners have equitable access to a high-quality mathematics education. This includes providing differentiated math instruction, culturally relevant curriculum materials, support for multilingual learners, and support for students with learning differences. By addressing the needs of some, you can create a more robust learning experience for all.
Teaching the BIG IDEAS: Instructional Strategies in Mathematics
New to the framework is the concept of teaching big ideas, an instructional strategy in mathematics that focuses on the interconnectedness of mathematical ideas within and between grade levels. There should be a conscious effort on behalf of the teacher to make connections across mathematical concepts, so students can develop a broader understanding of mathematics that extends beyond individual lessons or units.
Professional Learning and Continuous Improvement
The success of the 2023 California Mathematics Framework requires investment from all. The framework underscores the importance of ongoing professional learning and collaboration between teachers and administrators. Recognizing that teaching is a dynamic and ever-evolving profession, professional learning must be aligned, relevant, collaborative, focused on content and pedagogy, and designed to ensure equitable outcomes. By investing in the professional growth of all teachers, we can enhance the instructional quality and student learning outcomes for all.
The 2023 California Mathematics Framework embodies a commitment to excellence, equity, and innovation in mathematics education. By fostering mathematical mindsets, embracing diversity, balancing rigor, integrating real-world applications, and empowering educators as lifelong learners, the framework lays the foundation for a more inclusive and impactful learning experience. The framework sets a bold vision for the future of mathematics education in California, fostering a more inclusive learning environment that sparks deeper understanding and application of core mathematical concepts.
About the Author
Nick Lopez, M.A.Ed., is a K–8 Mathematics Specialist in Central California, with extensive classroom teaching and math coaching expertise. His inspiration stems from leadership efforts to improve the mathematical experience for all students so that greater opportunities for students’ success in math abound. Nick has served in several leadership roles within the California Mathematics Council on the Section and State Boards, including Central Section Vice President.
About California Math & YOU
California Math & YOU is a comprehensive, pedagogically rich K-12 mathematics program that builds a strong conceptual foundation for students through an immersive digital experience. Written by renowned author, Ron Larson, and his expert authorship team, California Math & YOU features engaging and relevant material that sparks students' curiosity and learning, while empowering teachers to successfully meet the needs of all learners. California Math & YOU is built on the California Mathematics Framework and is completely aligned to the California Common Core Standards (CA CCSS).