Creating Inclusive, Student-Centered Math Experiences at Dearborn STEM Academy

On November 15, 2024, EdVestors co-hosted a learning site with the Telescope Network at the Dearborn STEM Academy in Roxbury. The focus was on implementing the Illustrative Math (IM) curriculum in high school classrooms to create inclusive, student-centered math learning experiences. Eleven teachers and instructional coaches from across the Boston Public Schools (BPS) attended to observe and learn from Cindy Nguyen, a math teacher, and Luisa Pina, an ESL paraeducator, as they taught their 10th grade math class.

The learning site was organized in response to a needs assessment survey conducted by the Telescope Network in the spring of 2024. High school educators expressed a desire for professional development on integrating new math curricula and differentiating instruction for all students. 

Cindy and Luisa's class was notable for its diversity. About one-third of the students have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and another third are Multilingual Learners (ELD levels 1 to 3), including some recent arrivals from Cape Verde. This presents unique challenges and opportunities for inclusive teaching.

After observing a math lesson, participants engaged in a debrief conversation. They asked "excavating questions" designed to uncover the invisible "hows" and "whys" behind Cindy and Luisa's instructional strategies. This protocol, adapted from the Boston Teacher Residency (BTR) and the Early Career Teaching Network (ECTN), encourages deep professional learning by focusing on reflective and non-judgmental inquiry.

Participants were interested in how Cindy fostered collaboration and risk-taking among students. Cindy described it as a process of trial and error, with a commitment to trying different group work strategies until finding what works best. She highlighted the importance of intentional groupings and structures that encourage students to value each other's contributions.

Participants appreciated the deep dive into effective teaching practices and felt inspired to implement new ideas in their own classrooms. In the weeks following the learning site, participants reconvened for virtual sessions to discuss how they were applying what they learned. These sessions allowed for ongoing support and reflection, reinforcing the community of practice established during the learning site.

As for Cindy and Luisa, they realized the value of their collaborative efforts and felt motivated to continue improving their teaching practices. They expressed interest in finding more ways to incorporate students' home languages and cultures into math instruction while maintaining a focus on high-quality educational experiences.

At EdVestors, we know implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) is essential to improving learning outcomes for students in mathematics, and we are excited by the learning site as a model of deeper professional learning regarding implementing curriculum enabling all learners to access mathematics and succeed. It was inspiring to hear the reflections of educators who participated in the learning site - many talked about seeing the potential of the Illustrative Math curriculum materials with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and optimism. 

Click here to read the full report about this incredibly inspiring Telescope Learning Site.