Six Gap-Closing Classroom Math Strategies Infographic

Six Gap-Closing Classroom Math Strategies Infographic

Educators across the nation are finding that edtech is an important way to break down barriers for all students, no matter where they live or learn. Through digital inclusion, the use of adaptive tools, and engaging game-like programs, the playing field can be leveled to give Latino ELL students—and all students— the skills and confidence to achieve their full potential. The Six Gap-Closing Classroom Math Strategies Infographic offers six strategies you can use in classrooms right now to create a dynamic shift in each learner’s confidence and improvement in math performance.

1. Utilize bilingual faculty and support staff.

Hire Spanish speaking teachers and support staff to take advantage of Spanish home-language fluency. These human resources can support math learning and English language acquisition both formally through the curriculum and instruction, and informally through classroom interaction.

2. Set high expectations with a rigorous curriculum.

With Latino ELLs, educators should hold high expectations for every student, work flexibly to meet individual student needs, and avoid adopting a deficit model of student performance.

3. Use visual contexts and manipulatives.

Using manipulatives, including virtual manipulatives, to teach elementary mathematics is an effective, researched-based best practice

4. Implement personalized, individualized, and blended models.

Leveraging anytime, anywhere, self-directed learning with the support of technology in and out of the classroom is a powerful way to increase access and provide equal access to quality education.

5. Use assessment that’s balanced and dynamic.

NCTM suggests that a best practice for ELLs in math is empowering them to demonstrate and explain their understanding in multiple ways.

6. Increase engagement and motivation

Lessons and classroom experiences that require active involvement can motivate ELL students and engage them in the learning process. Connections to authentic and meaningful contexts help them understand concepts and acquire skills more easily.

DreamBox Learning® Math in English and Spanish for elementary and middle school students provides a standards aligned curriculum, equal access, and sca­olded support that builds deep math understanding to reach high standards—in the language that works best for Latino ELLs.

Read laso: 

• Six Strategies to Reach, Teach, and Close Math Gaps: For Latino English Language Learners in Elementary and Middle School