Riverside County educators and the Riverside County Office of Education are working together to transform math education for the better. With a renewed focus on math culture and evidence-based practices, they are striving to improve student learning outcomes across the county.
The Riverside County Office of Education serves approximately 430,000 students in 23 districts, providing instructional support and services in all content areas. Recent state math assessment data has highlighted a need for improvement in how students learn math, with statewide assessments showing limited growth in math proficiency.
Rather than simply recommending new textbooks or curricula, the county has chosen to shift its approach towards evidence-based practices to bring about a comprehensive change in math education. By aligning with national organizations like the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, as well as California’s newly revised math framework, Riverside County is committed to enhancing student access, building positive identity, and fostering agency within students.
The county’s approach to teaching and learning mathematics is informed by national reports such as “Adding It Up” and instructional models like cognitively guided instruction (CGI). This approach values what students bring to the classroom, focusing on a balance between procedural skills, conceptual understanding, and real-world application.
One key focus of the county’s efforts is to shift the emphasis from solely teaching procedural skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to helping students understand the underlying mathematics behind these processes. By encouraging students to share their thinking and reasoning, educators aim to deepen students’ conceptual understanding and engagement with math.
Moreover, Riverside County recognizes the important interplay between math culture improvements and equity. By acknowledging the diverse learning opportunities students have had, educators can better support all students in their math learning journey. This shift in mindset opens doors to more equitable access to math education for all students.
The county’s work is grounded in frameworks such as the Teaching for Robust Understanding framework, “Street Data” by Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan, and the Universal Design for Learning framework. These frameworks inform the county’s service offerings, which include direct contract work with districts, countywide professional development, and the District Math Collaborative.
The District Math Collaborative, which launched with seven districts in spring 2022 and has since expanded, focuses on reflecting on teaching and learning systems to continuously improve math education. By fostering collaboration and a culture of continuous improvement, educators are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of all students.
In addition to ongoing professional development initiatives, Riverside County hosts an annual Week of Math, designed to provide educators, students, and families with a unique and engaging math experience. Partnering with MIND Education and their MathMINDs program, the county encourages exploration, problem-solving, and pattern-seeking in mathematics instruction. This approach not only fosters a love for math but also strengthens community ties through shared problem-solving experiences.
Anecdotal feedback from schools implementing these strategies has been overwhelmingly positive. Students in classrooms with high implementation report increased engagement and participation, with previously disengaged students now actively contributing to math discussions. Schools like Quail Valley Elementary in the Menifee Union School District, which embraced these practices early on, have seen significant improvements in assessment scores, surpassing state, county, and district averages.
The success of these initiatives underscores the importance of shared culture within a community. By celebrating and sharing successes like those at Quail Valley Elementary, Riverside County encourages collaboration and a collective commitment to improving math education for all students.
As Riverside County continues to make strides in transforming math education, their advice to others seeking to improve math culture is clear: find passionate individuals who are energized by innovative ideas and empower them to lead the way. By uplifting those who are inspired to make a difference, positive change can ripple throughout the entire educational community.
In conclusion, Riverside County’s collaborative efforts with educators and districts to transform math education are yielding promising results. By prioritizing evidence-based practices, fostering a culture of inquiry and collaboration, and emphasizing equity and student engagement, the county is paving the way for a more effective and inclusive math learning experience for all students. Through ongoing professional development, community partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Riverside County is setting a positive example for math education reform across the state.