Equity-Focused Programs to Measure and Promote Math Learning and Executive Functioning

Abstract

Disparities found in children’s mathematical achievement are often due to unequal access to opportunities and resources. Therefore, providing rich, challenging, and evidence-based approaches for all students is critical for reducing differences in math outcomes. Targeting foundational underlying skills, such as executive functioning (EF), also could assist in reducing these inequalities found in math performance. This symposium includes four projects that are a part of the EF+Math Program, which supports multidisciplinary teams to develop methods and tools to measure and promote math learning by strengthening EF skills. The program centers students in grades 3-8, with a particular focus on Black and Latine students experiencing poverty in the United States. The symposium will present innovative methods and tools designed with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion to test and promote mathematical learning and executive functioning. In the first presentation, Guo will discuss an active and playful learning approach to promote children’s rational number learning and emotions. In the second presentation, Pahor will present a novel set of tools to measure and visualize math and EF skills using mobile app technology. In the third presentation, Buschkuehl will present findings from a novel web-based program to promote math fact fluency and EF skills simultaneously. Finally, Mayes will discuss a curriculum overlay for 3rd-5th grade students to improve EF skills, math identity, and math outcomes for Black and Latine students. Together, the symposium will present innovative approaches that could be used as resources and opportunities to enhance students’ mathematical outcomes.