Candidate Statement for the office of Director 

from Marta Civil:

Title: Professor
Position: Mathematics Education, Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona

 

Questions: What experiences with students and colleagues have influenced your commitment to equity and access for the mathematics education of all learners, in particular Hispanic/Latino students? How will this impact your leadership of TODOS if elected?

 

Marta's Response: Since 1992 I have directed several programs focused on equity and mathematics education, with CEMELA (Center for the Mathematics Education of Latinos/as), being the most notable. I have considerable experience leading projects aimed at improving the mathematics teaching and learning of traditionally underrepresented groups. My approach is based on a rejection of a deficit approach to the teaching and learning of students and instead I advocate for learning from the communities and building on their knowledge and strengths. I believe in a holistic approach to the mathematics education of all students, and this means working with teachers, administrators, parents and children. I bring a wealth experience working with these groups, not only from a research point of view but from a practice stand too. I regularly work in classrooms with teachers and students, as well as facilitate mathematics workshops for parents.

 

There are three topics that I plan to pursue as part of my leadership in TODOS:

1. Strengthening the dialogue between parents and school personnel, particularly in communities where parents have historically been disenfranchised from the schools.
2. Looking at the effects of different language policies on the mathematics education of English Language Learners.
3. Continuing CEMELA’s mission, which is the development of theory and practice for how to turn language and cultural diversity into educational assets for the mathematics education of all students.