Math Camp: Disrupting Inequities in Summer Math Intervention Programs

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Creativity and Localized Change: Teachers and Coaches Supporting Transformation (Table 6)

Abstract

The majority of math summer intervention programs are designed to either provide extra support to students who are struggling with math, or enrichment to advance students’ mathematical knowledge. While these programs can be beneficial for some students, they can also perpetuate inequities in education thus, looking at how schools structure summer programs is an important discussion. This paper will discuss how the structures of one summer Math Camp addressed accessibility, stigmatization, curriculum, assessment, and mindset, with the intent to provide conceptual and fun mathematics for all. Research results from a five-year study of Math Camp shows students’ growth in mathematical knowledge as well as an improvement in their attitudes towards learning math and an overall sense of belongingness at school.

Author

• Cat R.L. Gaspard, California State University - Northridge