Conceptual Understanding, Executive Functions, and Equity: 3 Areas for Big Change in the Classroom

Abstract

Deep conceptual understanding and complex problem solving skills are important for students’ math success. Learn how equity-centered practices infused with strategies to strengthen and support students’ Executive Function skills come together to support powerful math learning for all students. Participants will leave this session with a deeper understanding of how to develop students’ conceptual understanding and complex problem solving skills through infusing equity-centered practices and strengthening and supporting their executive function (EF) skills. This session will dig deep into equity-centered practices designed to support a classroom culture that honors and is responsive to students’ backgrounds, experiences, cultures and knowledge, and centers the ways in which we can specifically attend to ensuring that that all students attain high levels of mathematics achievement. This session posits that Centering complex problem solving and deep conceptual understanding is an equitable practice often unafforded to historically marginalized students. Additionally, this session will help teachers see all of their students as capable learners and build strategies to strengthen and build their students’ Executive Function skills as means to build student confidence and agency.