School Dependency: How Schools Support Students Who Struggle to Learn Mathematics

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Section 1C Mathematics Roundtable Five (Table 5)

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to describe how school personnel support students with mathematics difficulties (SMD) and how these supports vary by context, conceptualized in this project as School Dependency Profiles (SDPs). Using a two-phase design, Ohio elementary schools were first organized into clusters by SDPs, then four high-achieving school cases examined in-depth to better understand their methods for supporting SMDs. Cross-case analysis, viewed through the lens of SDPs, showed both common support practices as well as substantial differences. Schools with high densities of SMD navigated unique barriers to the full provision of mathematics support, pointing to mechanisms responsible for systematic underachievement in school-dependent contexts. Implications for future research and policy are shared.

Author

• Lori A. Foote, University of Cincinnati
  Presenting Author