The beauty of mathematics lies not just in the precision of answers but in the myriad ways it connects us as human beings. By embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, and recognizing the humanity inherent in mathematical concepts, we unlock the potential for a richer, more inclusive educational experience. In this shared journey of learning, where two people can look at the same thing and see something entirely different, mathematics becomes a bridge, connecting us to the vast tapestry of human experience.

Describing the heat as simply “hot” would be an understatement considering the scorching 105-degree temperatures. It was a heat wave in a country accustomed to extreme climates, which had recently led to the closure of schools. I was one of 18 educators stepping off a bus, preparing for an arduous 8-hour trek to our destination in Butwal, Nepal.

It occurred to me that we tend to visit places and look for the history, the nature, the art work, the food, the entertainment ... really anything BUT the mathematics. What if we changed that? What if we started documenting math all around us? AND highlighting how math is connected to all of those wonderful things such as history, nature, art, etc.?

It is 1994 and I am a new fifth grade teacher. I buzz around my classroom happily, excited to meet the 28 humans who I will be privileged to spend the year with. But something strange keeps happening as I meet new staff.

“Oh, fifth grade … good luck!”

“Mmm that class.”

Eventually, Mary comes in with a pile of folders and wearing compassion and concern on her face she begins, “Here are the folders for your students. Everything you need to know about them is in there. Don’t worry - I’ll be here to help you. They are a tough bunch. You’ll see.”

As you make your way through September, take the time to listen to children’s ideas. Establish a time of day when they can share their thoughts with you and with others. See yourself as an interviewer that is collecting ideas as a means of understanding, connecting, and seeking JOY.

I think we can learn some lessons from Wordle creator Josh Wardle about how math classes can captivate our students in similar ways. Let’s unpack some of these lessons.

The media, the politicians and the decision makers are all reminding us of “learning loss.” Well guess what? I’m not having it. I am choosing joy. I am choosing to craft a journey forward that is steeped in all that has been learned over the last 418 days.

Ok, wait, what? In midst of “all of things” of 2020-2021, this little gem of brilliance lands in the news. We have a rover on Mars tweeting images, and information, offering us hope and inspiration!

Prior to my experience with the COVID19 pandemic, I would have dismissed The notion that simple is power, with an ignorance born of contentment. I liked life. I embraced everything that life had to offer, happily rushing around from one thing to the next, alternating between family time, work, travel, and more. I hurried through days with total unawareness that we are guaranteed nothing in our lives.

Teachers are juggling a combination of students who are in-person full time, in-person half time, and at home full time while streaming video into their classroom … simultaneously. Seeing this juggling act that educators are doing is anything but entertaining. I am deeply concerned.

“It’s time for assessment practices to be intentionally designed to foster student agency rather than hinder it.”- Future Focused Education

I agree. Let’s talk about this. Because among all of the things during the 2020-2021 school year, THIS is not going to be solved unless we both unpack and shift our fundamental beliefs about the purpose of assessment as a whole. In this blog I will address the fundamental shifts that we need to make, provide some concrete strategies to support you in making these shifts, and then discuss why now is the time.

They say that algebra is the gatekeeper to higher level mathematics. Others have described fractions as the doorman for the gatekeeper of algebra. (NMAP 2008) Barriers to success in these areas of mathematics lead to inequitable opportunities. Mathematics educators are mindful of these gatekeepers, and work to mitigate their impact. Actually, though, the sentinel deciding who has the most opportunity shows up for his shift much sooner in a student’s mathematical career.

Throughout history, storytellers have been valued as the keeper of history, the keeper of lessons to be passed down from generation to generation. Before mankind could write, he could tell stories.