Dismantling Inequitable Practices through Cutural Inclusivity and Advocacy in the Math Classroom!
India White • March 5, 2024
Dismantling Inequitable Practices in the Math Classroom
Dismantling Inequitable Practices through Cultural Inclusivity and Advocacy in Math Education
Dr. India White
In the field of mathematics education, it is crucial for teachers to be aware of and actively work towards dismantling inequitable practices that exist in the educational system. To see malpractice and not advocate for those who have suffered is simple inhumane, and goes against the better part of a leader’s character. By promoting cultural inclusivity and advocating for all students, particularly those from marginalized groups, math teachers can create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. This blog post will explore the importance of cultural inclusivity and advocacy in mathematics education, drawing on scholarly references to provide insights and strategies for math teachers.
Why Cultural Inclusivity and Advocacy Matter in Mathematics Education
Inequitable practices in mathematics education can manifest in various ways, including disparities in achievement, access to opportunities, and representation of diverse perspectives. These inequities often stem from systemic biases and cultural misunderstandings that perpetuate academic disparities among students. By embracing cultural inclusivity and advocating for all students, math teachers can address these inequities and create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.
This can strengthen relationships in the classroom while convincing students that every classroom is a safe place where they can learn and thrive as an independent thinker.
Research has shown that culturally responsive teaching practices can improve student engagement, motivation, and achievement in mathematics (Gay, 2000).
By incorporating students' cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives into the curriculum, math teachers can make the content more relevant and accessible to all students. Additionally, advocating for inclusive policies and practices within the educational system can help address systemic barriers that hinder the success of marginalized students in mathematics. This is simply necessary as educators aim to move towards greater proficiency level of all learners.
8 Tips and Instructional Practices for Math Teachers
1. Build Cultural Awareness
Teachers, be intentional about truly take the time to learn about the cultural backgrounds and experiences of your students. This can help you better understand their perspectives and tailor your instruction to meet their needs. Afterwards, take a moment to celebrate cultural differences and be intentional at protecting the authenticity of cultures and ethnic groups. In their journal Math at the Core: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Math, PBS Learning Media (2024) researchers focuses on student identity and how that can increase cultural awareness while building relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. They mention some questions to consider including:
These questions will help educators slow down enough to truly get to know each students and to frame instruction around various aspects of their culture and personalities so that all students will feel like they belong in the math classroom.
2. Incorporate Culturally Relevant Content
As you are building your lesson plans for the week, choose to integrate diverse perspectives and examples from different cultures into your mathematics curriculum. This can help students see themselves reflected in the content and make learning more engaging. Further, it will enhance self-efficacy of all learners while creating buy-in needed for collaboration throughout the learning experience. As a result, invisible “walls” will fall, and metacognition will flow in an environment all students can trust. Some ways you can build culturally relevant content has been discussed by Larry Ferlazo’s(2020) article in Ed Week titled “12 Ways to Make Your Classroom More Culturally Relevant”, and they include: “building community, student collaboration, role models, using manipulatives and literature, and giving complex work”. Not only do these strategies help with cultural relevance, it enhances rigor for each student in the learning environment.
3. Promote Equity in Group Work
As you are being thoughtful about how to empower student voice, and include all learners, be mindful of the dynamics within student groups and ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to contribute and learn from their peers. For instance, when assigning group work, choose to use various roles for students to make sure all students can participate in a fair manner. Further, use random ways to assign students into roles as well as for sharing out their ideas, (i.e. Popsicle sticks, Kagan groups, etc.). Double check with all students to ensure they feel like they feel like they belong and that they are being resourceful during various group activities.
Further, finding various ways to grade students in efforts to discover their unique traits while learning math can add value to each lesson. For instance, the use of culturally relevant rubrics is a clever way to approach the use of culture in the math classroom. In their blog titled, "Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies for Inclusive Math,"
Carnegie Learning (2024) stated that “A cultural responsiveness rubric can help you evaluate if your math problems resonate with diverse cultures. It lets you gauge whether the task acknowledges different perspectives or merely reinforces stereotypes."
4. Provide Multiple Pathways to Success
When planning for success of your students each semester, recognize that students may have different learning styles and strengths. Offer multiple ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts. As students are expressing various ways of how they came up with solutions or rationale, cease the opportunity to share it out with their peers and encourage thinking beyond the page and into real world scenarios.
As you think about ways to promote success in the classroom, provide various ways for students to express their learning. For instance, in their article, “How Do We Support Students in Reflecting on Mathematics”, Cynthia Dore (2017) spoke about how teachers can “provide opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and to increase their metacognition (their thinking about their thinking).” Dore elaborated on various methods, including having students participate in “think-alouds by having them work in pairs” and answering various questions including, “and reflect on their process for solving a math problem, addressing questions during reflection in the math classroom such as: “What steps did you take? What did you do when you ran into an obstacle? How did you check your answers?"
It’s imperative to also provide closure to each lesson via a math exit slip, reflection in a math journal, or a whole class discussion on what was taught and what should be discussed the next day.
5. Encourage Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
When striving for true inclusivity, foster a classroom environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages students to think critically about mathematical concepts and real-world applications. It’s imperative that you become a defender against any comments, curriculum, or external content that would dehumanize any student or their background while they are discussing their thoughts about math in the classroom. Convince your students that your class is always a place where they will be protected and feel safe. In their article titled, “How to Encourage Critical Thinking in Math”, Mary Montero mentions these 3 strategies for teachers to consider:
6. Advocate for Students while Addressing Stereotypes and Biases
Addressing stereotypes and biases is not always an easy task for teachers. However, once it is addressed for the best interests of students, it can truly improve the learning environment by assisting in stronger advocacy for students and strengthening student confidence levels. In their article titled “Getting Students on the Road to Self Efficacy”, Adrienne Waller (2021) mentioned how students from marginalized backgrounds must learn how to take up self-advocacy in the classroom. They elaborate, stating that “Self-advocacy must be taught and encouraged. It benefits all students, but is particularly important for students who have been historically marginalized because of their cultural or language background, or because of a disability.”
Self-advocacy is essential as we strive to close the achievement gap and helps students navigate through their journey as learners. Along with teaching self-advocacy, teachers must always have a protective lens while choosing to challenge stereotypes and biases that may impact students' confidence and achievement in mathematics. Create a supportive and inclusive classroom where all students feel valued and respected. Be brave enough to have a conversation around how to protect the learning environment and to show equal love and support for all people.
While advocating for students, it helps strengthen their math identity altogether. In their article titled, “Getting Students on the Road to Self Advocacy, Adrienne Waller (2022) mentions how advocacy for students “makes learning manageable and prevents students from drawing global conclusions about their performance, such as “I am just not good at math.”
Further, Waller spoke about how student self-advocacy also benefits their teachers by assisting them with “the questions that students ask, the help they need…that can help teachers to fine-tune their instruction.” Further, self-advocacy helps you break outside of your comfort zone and take a positive “risk” and defy the odds as you hear from learners who you might not regularly call on. It also helps you sharpen your craft as an educator and think outside the box as to how you can make a positive example out of marginalized groups of learners.
7. Collaborate with Families and Communities
Engage families and communities in the learning process and seek their input on how to best support students from diverse backgrounds. Choose to reach out to families via surveys, parent nights, and other community events to find out opinions and recommendations from parents and guardians regarding how to best serve their children. Join with them to make sure all students have what they need to excel in school. In their blog on “8 Strategies for Culturally Responsive Family Engagement”, Brookes Publishing mentioned that in effort to connect with families, teachers should consider various ways to be culturally responsive including: conducting a cultural audit, acknowledge and interrupt implicit racial biases that are rooted in anti-Blackness, developing authentic, trusting relationships through home visits and more.
8. Advocate for Inclusive Policies
When discussing including, experts have defined inclusivity as, “a commitment to providing every student with equitable opportunities to engage with mathematical concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and achieve mathematical proficiency. It recognizes that learners come from diverse backgrounds, possess varying abilities, and learn in unique ways.” They also mention how when approaching inclusivity, there are various lenses a teacher can see inclusivity through and specific categories in which to approach inclusivity including: diverse student populations, varied learning styles, equity and access, individualized support, equity and social justice, real-world relevance, enhanced problem solving skills, and preparing for future careers for all learners, IEP Plans, assessments and more. Teachers, choose to do what’s best for all students and advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusivity within the school and district. Be a voice for change and work towards creating a more equitable mathematics education system. Make sure that you are linked with other leaders who also support this work and can find ways to ensure that all students are being serviced in an equitable manner while also upholding policies within your district and or state.
Conclusion
By implementing these tips and instructional practices, math teachers can contribute to dismantling inequitable practices and promoting cultural inclusivity and advocacy in mathematics education. Through their efforts, teachers can create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed in mathematics. Remember, as math teachers, your role extends beyond teaching mathematical concepts. You have the power to create a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports all students on their mathematical journey. Let's work together to dismantle inequitable practices and promote cultural inclusivity and advocacy in mathematics education.
Want more resources? Visit www.india-white.com for books, blogs, merchandise, or to schedule Dr. India White to speak at your district or an upcoming event. Read more about Dr. India White below!!
From Rotten Moments to Sweet Blessings: What Banana Bread and Fermented Foods Teach Us About Life Sometimes life hands us what feels like rotten bananas; situations that seem spoiled, broken, or beyond hope. Maybe it’s a tough season of loss, failure, disappointment, or uncertainty. Yet, just like those overripe bananas transform into delicious banana bread, or milk ferments into nourishing cheese and yogurt, our "rotten" moments have the power to turn into something sweet and life-giving. Why Rottenness Can Be Good In the culinary world, fermentation, a process that uses “rottenness” to transform foods , creates some of the healthiest, most flavorful staples we enjoy: yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, and more. This “rottenness” isn’t waste; it’s a powerful agent of change that unlocks nutrients, improves digestion, and promotes health. Similarly, life’s difficult seasons are not the end. They are part of a process— a fermentation of our character, faith, and grit When we lean into these moments with grit—great resilience in time—we develop strength, wisdom, and sweetness in our souls that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. 7 Ways to Overcome a Negative Mindset and Embrace Grit in Rotten Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Without Defeat It’s okay to feel hurt, frustrated, or discouraged. But remember, these feelings don’t define you. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” 2. Shift Your Perspective to Growth View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Just like looking at a bunch of rotten bananas can seem discouraging until you shift your thinking and see them as a perfect ingredient for banana bread, choose to see your moments of rottenness as a game changer for your destiny! 3. Practice Patience Through the Process Good things take time— like fermentation and baking . Wait on God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything.” Think of how spoiled milk seems disgusting and gut wrenching, until you learn of how wonderful of an ingredient it becomes for homemade cheese! Trust the process, and know that it will all work out in your favor! 4. Cultivate Resilience by Staying Connected Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going. Galatians 6:2 teaches, “Carry each other’s burdens.” Sometimes, that person might be the catalyst for a new direction, new energy and exponential success. 5. Focus on Small, Consistent Steps Break down overwhelming problems into manageable pieces. Z echariah 4:10 encourages, “Do not despise these small beginnings. ” Don't lose sight on your progress, your identity or your purpose. 6. Renew Your Mind Daily Replace negative thoughts with truth and hope from Scripture. Philippians 4:8 advises, “Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure.” Remember that God is not dead, and he sees exactly how his plan in your life will manifest. Leave your worries on the throne and know he will justfiy you. 7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Every small victory is a sign of growth and sweet fruit to come. J ames 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres.” Just as you are making banana bread, cheese, yogurt and other wonderful foods, you know that there might be bumps along the way, but keep pressing on! The final product is worth the moments of struggle disappointment and rottenness. You will smile in the end. Conclusion Remember, just as rotten bananas, milk, and vegetables become nourishing foods through a process of transformation, your tough seasons are preparing you for a sweeter, stronger tomorrow . Stay gritty, endure the process, and trust that God is turning your struggles into something beautiful. For more encouragement and practical ways to build grit in your life, visit my website at www.india-white.com . You can also watch my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for a motivating boost to help you keep pushing through life’s challenges. Keep rising. Keep growing. Your sweetness is coming.
🚀 Ready to Get Pumped Up About Life Again? 🌟 Listen to my TEDx talk, and let’s reignite that fire inside you! 🔥 It’s time to get serious and start making those dreams happen! 💪 Don’t let anything hold you back—embrace the grit and determination needed to turn your aspirations into reality. Join me on this journey to unleash your full potential! 🎤✨ #drindiawhite #grit #DreamBig #TEDxTalk https://youtu.be/R9YQOtryL7w?si=vvp_rSqMP3J2VNQ_ (I don’t own music copyright)
Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks with Dr. India White, featuring Choosing to See Co-Author and Equity Expert, Dr. Pam Seda! #drindiawhite #pamseda #choosingtosee #equity #icucareframework #nctm #ncsm
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be co-presenting at CAMT with the amazing Peter Liljedahl from Building Thinking Classrooms! Join us for our session where we’ll dive into empowering students to transition from perseverance to productive struggle. Let’s transform challenges into growth opportunities together! 🚀💡 #CAMT2025 #BuildingThinkingClassrooms #Education #StudentSuccess #drindiawhite #btc #grit #tedx NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education #camt25 (I don’t own music copyright)
Dear Educators, Principals, and School Leaders, I’m excited to share that my latest newsletter has just arrived, filled with inspiring updates, resources, and tools to support your teams and students in building a culture of G.R.I.T.—Growth, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. As you plan your professional development sessions, conferences, or school events for the upcoming year, I’d love to partner with you. Whether it’s a keynote, workshop, or interactive training, I specialize in helping educators and school communities cultivate grit, equity, and empowerment in ways that are practical, engaging, and transformational. If you’re interested in having me speak at your school, district, or conference, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be honored to serve your team. You can also explore my speaking topics and G.R.I.T. resources at: www.india-white.com Let’s connect, collaborate, and inspire greatness—together! Here's the link to my newsletter to share: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_21LSLwQ/sEqABtI7pY0-Gh5vSzQnLg/edit?utm_content=DAF_21LSLwQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Warmly,
Thank You, Nevada Association of School Administrators: Building a Culture of G.R.I.T. Together I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Adam Lane and the Nevada Association of School Administrators (NASA) for the incredible opportunity to speak at your recent conference. It was truly an honor to engage with such passionate, forward-thinking educational leaders who are committed to transforming schools and communities. During our time together, we explored a theme close to my heart: creating a culture of G.R.I.T.—not just in the classroom, but throughout our communities. We unpacked the G.R.I.T. Framework, which focuses on cultivating Growth Mindset, Resilience, Intentional Self-Efficacy, and Time Management in both educators and students. These four pillars are foundational for student success, especially in today’s challenging and ever-evolving educational landscape. We also discussed the critical role educators and school leaders play in modeling and reinforcing these values. From building trusting relationships to ensuring equity and access, educators are the heartbeat of our communities. When we lead with empathy, authenticity, and grit, we empower students to do the same—and we create schools where every learner feels seen, supported, and capable of greatness. To the school leaders, superintendents, and administrators who attended: thank you for your engagement, your insights, and your commitment to building a legacy of perseverance and purpose. I walked away inspired by your stories, your questions, and your unwavering dedication to improving outcomes for all students across Nevada. If you're interested in learning more about the G.R.I.T. Framework or want to access tools like the G.R.I.T. Workbook, I invite you to visit www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you ] And if you missed the session or want to revisit the message, you can also check out my TEDx Talk: The Power of G.R.I.T. Thank you once again, Adam and NASA, for giving me the platform to share this mission and for all you do to champion student success across Nevada and beyond. Let’s continue lifting others as we climb—one gritty step at a time.
Embracing Grit and Community in Education: Strategies and Insights for Teachers As I reflect on both shared and individual childhood experiences, I am reminded of the incredible power of grit, the passion and perseverance that fuel our journeys. Yet, one important question remains: What happens when grit alone isn't enough? In our classrooms, many students face systemic barriers that grit alone cannot overcome. That’s why it’s essential for educators to understand that grit must be supported by community, self-efficacy, and equity-driven practices. Understanding Grit in the Classroom Angela Duckworth defines grit as a sustained commitment to long-term goals despite obstacles. But through my own work and the development of the G.R.I.T. Framework, I’ve found that true grit includes more than persistence. It’s also about Growth mindset, Resilience, Intentional self-efficacy, and Time management—all supported by a strong community and a belief in one’s ability to succeed. To learn more about this approach, check out my TEDx Talk: 🎥 [ “The Power of G.R.I.T.” TEDx Talk ] And if you're looking for practical tools to implement in your classroom or school community, you can explore and download the G.R.I.T. Framework and G.R.I.T. Workbook on my website, www.india-white.com 📘 Let’s explore how educators can integrate these principles to help every student not only persist—but thrive. 1. Cultivate a Supportive Community ✅ Build Relationships Create a safe, inclusive environment by getting to know your students. Invite them to share their stories and experiences to strengthen classroom trust. ✅ Use Storytelling as Empowerment Lean into Rudine Sims Bishop’s concept of mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors—letting students see themselves, others, and opportunities through storytelling. Representation matters. 2. Acknowledge Systemic Barriers ✅ Name the Inequities Be honest about the social, economic, and cultural challenges your students may face. Acknowledgment leads to empowerment and helps normalize discussions around equity. ✅ Share Your Journey Talk about your own privileges and struggles. Vulnerability builds bridges and shows students that growth is possible; even through adversity. 3. Empower Student Leadership ✅ Promote Collective Agency Encourage students to be “ genius influencers ”—train them to see themselves as leaders who support one another and recognize their ability to shape positive change in their communities. ✅ Foster Collaboration Group work and peer learning cultivate community resilience and affirm the idea that we rise together. 4. Embrace Culturally Relevant Teaching ✅ Make Learning Reflective Design curriculum that reflects your students’ lived experiences and cultures . This combats bias and validates identity for all learners (Ladson-Billings, 1994). ✅ Encourage Critical Consciousness Help students think deeply about social justice, equity, and their own role in fostering inclusive environments. 5. Build Strong Mathematical Identities ✅ Promote Belonging in Math Create learning spaces where every student—especially those with disabilities or marginalized identities, which this helps students feel capable, celebrated, and seen . ✅ Use Real-World Connections Ground math in everyday experiences. When students see how math connects to THEIR world, they’re more likely to engage meaningfully. This helps to eliminate any invisible barriers and mistrust in the classroom. 6. Implement Dr. India’s G.R.I.T. Framework :) ✅ Foster Self-Efficacy Help students set achievable goals and celebrate small wins. Confidence grows when students believe their effort matters, and that you believe in them. ✅ Build Support Networks Facilitate relationships with mentors, peers, and community members who can serve as allies in your students’ educational journey. (Don't underestimate the power of community) Learn more and access the full G.R.I.T. Framework and accompanying workbook at: 🔗( https://www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you) Final Thoughts: My Humanity Is Tied Up in Yours; We're in this Together! The journey of teaching is deeply human. Every interaction we have with students—every lesson, every word of encouragement, every challenge we help them overcome—shapes not only their lives, but our own. Let’s recommit ourselves to teaching with grit, grace, and empathy. Now, here are some Teacher Action Tips for your consideration: Make space for storytelling in your classroom. Reflect on and address systemic inequities regularly. Facilitate peer support systems. Use culturally relevant texts and lessons. Set and celebrate realistic goals with students. Show students they matter—every single day. References Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. Sims Bishop, R. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 6(3), 9–11. Ladson-Billings, G. (1994). The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children. Jossey-Bass. White, I. (n.d.). G.R.I.T. Framework. Retrieved from [www.india-white.com](https://www.india-white.com/what-does-grit-mean-to-you) TEDx Talk: [The Power of G.R.I.T.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9YQOtryL7w&t=1s) Together, we can build resilient, empowered learners—one gritty classroom at a time. 💪📚 #GRITinEducation #EquityInLearning #CulturallyRelevantTeaching #StudentEmpowerment #TeacherLeadership #GrowthMindset #DrIndiaWhite
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🌟 Just wrapped up an enlightening session on the sense of belonging at the NCTM - NCTE Joint Conference! 🎉 As educators, we explored the crucial distinction between fostering a culture of inclusion versus facing feelings of dejection in our classrooms. It was inspiring to see so many passionate teachers engaged in this important dialogue. Let's continue to strive for acceptance and enrich the learning environment for all students! 🙌 #drindiawhite #inclusion #dejection #acceptance #nctm #ncte #LitMath25 #bwxme #NAACP (I don’t own copyright to music or background)