Reflection On Edna Brewer Middle School

Many of the students in my 8th Grade Math class, and all math classes at Edna Brewer Middle School enter with different experiences, biases, levels of understanding, mathematical strategies toolkits, and skill sets. My current 8th grade classroom is a perfect example of that. I have students who have an understanding of previously taught mathematical concepts, number sense, and can connect that previous learning to what is expected of students to learn in 8th grade. Although, I also have students who have struggled, had different life experiences, and did not access those same previously taught mathematical concepts. So how can I now as a new teacher at Edna Brewer Middle School and their 8th Grade Math Teacher, close the gap that my students already have when they enter my classroom? This is a question I pose myself with, just like many other teachers do everyday, especially as a teacher in a school serving high needs populations. All of my students have Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s), Math goals, and have strengths, as well as weaknesses that I must support each student on as well as provide access to the 8th Grade Curriculum and 8th Grade Math Common Core Standards. Some of my students have learned the foundational mathematical skills that are critical to 8th grade math concepts, and some of my students struggle with the language …show more content…
Based off of our meeting we decided that I could improve my math tasks by making them more meaningful for all students and through that I would increase all students engagement and ownership of their learning. We also discussed creating and planning with a rubric in order to further establish and define criteria for students, and give a visual for myself and my students to see their own progress as a way to engage them and require ownership for their