The Math Factor
Nancy Davies
ndavies@orchardhouse.org
Math as a Deciding Factor
• Overview
• At the Middle School Level
• Within the United States
• Globally
Percentage of Classroom Time
Spent on Topics: Global
Comparison
Practicing
Procedures
Applying
Concepts
Investigating New
Ways of Thinking
Top-Performing
Countries
41%
15%
44%
United States
96%
4%
Less than 1%
Data from: Mintz, 2008
The Landscape
• Of middle school girls
• Of middle school girls and math
Trophy Traps
• Grade Inflation
• Acceleration
• Gifted and Talented
Comparison of “A” Averages & SAT
Scores over Time
1966/
1968
Percentage of High School Graduates with “A”
Averages
1972
17.6%/
19%
2003/
2009
2005
44.1%/
48%
Average of Verbal SAT Scores
530
508
Average of Math SAT Scores
510
520
Data from: Wells, 2006
Twenge, 2009
Short Cuts that Short Circuit
Strategies that Make a Difference
• Mindset (Dweck, 2006)
• Responses & Questions (Sadker, M., Sadker, D., Zittleman,K. R., 1994, 2009)
• Problems & Solutions: Expanding Both
• Writing
• Metacognition
• Working Spatially
• Cooperation, Individual Accountability, & Role Models
• Mental Math & Basic Facts
• Handling “I don’t know.”
• Praise
• Meaning
• Know the Learner
Learning from the World: What
Exceptional Math Programs Have
to Teach Us
• Curriculum Focus
• Teachers as Professionals
• Cultural Values
Summary
•
Math is important.
•
Success in math for females has powerful consequences in identity formation,
educational opportunities, job options, and economic potential.
•
Middle school math for girls sets the stage for long-term success.
•
There are gender and brain influences that make a difference.
•
There are strategies and curricular choices that can be directed for the benefit
of girls.
•
Math education in the United States needs intensive care.
•
With focus and intention, we can make a difference.
•
As our students go, our world goes.
Math: A Deciding Factor
References
Nancy W. Davies
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Dolan, E. (2009). Governor’s Biennial STEM Conference. Roanoke, Virginia.
Duax, J.A. (2009). Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem in Middle School Girls: A Review of the Literature and Findings from an
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Dweck, C.S. (2008). Boosting achievement with messages that motivate. Canadian Education Association.
Dweck, C.S. (2006). Mindset. New York: Random House.
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we can do about it. New York: Scribner.
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