Spotlight on the Principles: The Pursuit of Mathematics for All!

“EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS education requires equity—high expectations and strong support for all students.” Thus begins the Equity Principle found in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000, p. 12). It goes on to detail some of the dimensions of equity: high expectations, strong support, reasonable accommodations, worthwhile opportunities, and access to technology. People are unlikely to disagree with the stance implied by the Equity Principle. “Mathematics for all” is a rallying cry akin to “liberty and justice for all.” To disagree with the Principle would be like speaking out against motherhood or apple pie. Yet the pathway to mathematics for all is not always clear. What does equity in mathematics look like in our classrooms and schools? How would individual teachers proceed if the Equity Principle was guiding their teaching?