Cases About Engaging Families and Communities in Math

Students bring multiple interconnected identities that shape their experiences both qinside and outside the classroom. To support the development of positive math identities, our efforts must extend beyond the boundaries of the classroom and into students’ families and communities. This chapter was included with that purpose in mind. The cases presented in this chapter highlight the importance of communication, partnerships, and advocacy between schools, students’ families, and the broader communities in which schools are situated. As you read the following cases, consider the implicit and explicit messages children receive about their identities when learning math. The cases are titled Case 6.1 Supporting Multilingual Families with Math Content, Case 6.2 Advocating Access to Extracurricular Math Activities, Case 6.3 Navigating Family Help with Homework, Case 6.4 Exploring Community Partnerships to Enhance Math Applications, and Case 6.5 Flea Market Experience. Following each case, you’ll find reflection questions to promote deeper thinking and critical analysis. These questions invite you to challenge your thinking and connect the case to your own classroom experiences.