Busting Math Myths with UDL: Making Math Accessible for All

About the Guest(s):

Jenna Rufo is an inclusive education consultant and the founder and CEO of EmpowerED School Solutions. She has worked with state departments of education, disability rights organizations, and school systems across the United States and Australia to create more equitable and inclusive special education programs. She spent nearly 20 years in public education as an assistant superintendent, special education director, and teacher, where she advocated for students with disabilities to receive services in inclusive settings.

Ron Martiello is a learning coach in Montgomery County, PA. He has served as a 1st grade teacher, an elementary assistant principal, and an elementary principal. In 2018, Ron became a learning coach to support teachers in the areas of technology and math.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, host Tim Villegas converses with Jenna Rufo and Ron Martiello about their book "Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design." The discussion opens with shared personal stories about early math experiences, growing into a broader dialogue about the persistent myths surrounding math education. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how universal design for learning (UDL) principles can reshape the learning experience and dismantle long-held barriers in mathematics education.

As the conversation unfolds, Jenna and Ron delve into the specifics of their book. They emphasize the necessity of integrating UDL to foster an inclusive and engaging math classroom environment. Key topics include the myth of answer-getting, the fallacy of prerequisite skills, and how these misconceptions hinder the learning process. By addressing these issues, the guests assert that educators can uplift students who are often left behind in traditional math settings, hence promoting equity and excellence simultaneously.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/ZviVGZjEdxglJVPj5GSvF55FnWI

Key Takeaways:

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can help debunk myths about mathematics by creating multiple entry points for diverse learners.
• The idea that quick answer-getting equates to math proficiency is a myth; success in math involves understanding processes and reasoning.
• Focusing solely on prerequisite skills can hinder students' exposure to more advanced mathematical concepts.
• Collaborating across disciplines and educational roles can enhance instructional design and ensure more inclusive educational practices.
• By utilizing UDL, educators can develop teaching strategies that accommodate the needs of all students, thereby ensuring equitable access to mathematics education.

Resources:

Conquering Math Myths with Universal Design: An Inclusive Instructional Approach for Grades K–8: https://ascd.org/books/conquering-math-myths-with-universal-design

EmpowerEd School Solutions: https://www.empoweredschool.org/

Ron Martiello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronmartiello/

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MCIE: https://mcie.org

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