This post is a Zine I created to share my current thinking (May 2021) about the work of the Antiracist Algebra Coalition – Syracuse. It’s a starting point for conversation and action toward antiracist algebra for the future of black students who attend Syracuse City School District. Reach out with comments or questions. I’d love to hear from you.
Antiracist Algebra Coalition Cogen Leaders 2021 – What is our work? (c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfonger Teach Antiracist Lessons. What makes a lesson antiracist? What are the guiding principles and practices for antiracist curriculum and instruction? ((c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfongerEngage Teachers in Dialogue About Race, Racism, Bias — What are accountability measures for action on this front? How are views, beliefs, manifested in actions? What are teachers’ views of students’ mathematics capabilities? (How) Can those be changed? (c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfongerThe Syracuse City School District has adopted an “Anti-racist Policy” — how can the superintendent be held accountable for upholding this policy? What role does the SCSD Board of Education play in this accountability? What role do students and families play in this? (c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfongerLet’s empower parents, families, and students to demand action and change. We aim to spread accessible information about students’ rights to quality mathematics education to parents and families. This may include knowledge about the policies and procedures in place to ensure that those opportunities to learn are there. WIth such knowledge, parents, families, and students may become empowered to act and advocate when the institution of education falls short of students’ rights to quality mathematics education. Demand equity. Address access, achievement, power, and identity. (c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfonger Part of the theory of action or theory of change for the work of the Antiracist Algebra Coalition includes the following components: (a) Teacher education with specific emphasis on teachers’ views of students’ mathematics capabilities. this training can occur through “SCORE” training (student coalition on race and equity) with a specific emphasis on mathematics (b) Antiracism in Practice via Lesson Study – engage in cycles of experimentation and theory building to advance principles and practices of antiracist algebra (c) Student and Family Empowerment and Action through Advocacy, Art, and Placemaking, and (d) Achievement and Experience. How do students’ test scores in algebra and disciplinary rates relate to one another? How can these measures be used to reframe the narrative around student failure or success toward teacher, principal, school, district accountability to students’ opportunities to learn? (c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfongerThe work of antiracism is ongoing and never ending. It is a battle of resilience in the face of racist policy and practice that perpetuate anti-black racism and uphold white supremacy. Through the systematic work of the Antiracist Algebra Coalition we are dedicated to bringing our strengths to the table, with a focus on manifesting joy. We invite you to join us. (c) Nicole L. Fonger May 2021 “Antiracist Algebra Coalition: What is Our Work?” Zine @nmlfonger)
I like it. Thanks for sharing.