ISU Chair and Professor Dr. Cory A. Bennett leads publication of new position paper for NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education

Dr. Cory A. Bennett, chair and professor for the Idaho State University Teaching and Educational Studies Department, and position paper editor for NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education, recently led the publication of NCSM’s new position paper on Supporting All Students through Flexible Grouping Strategies. This position paper centers on using strengths-based flexible grouping practices to create inclusive classrooms to appropriately develop students’ mathematical talents.

“With the diversity of learners in classrooms, and the various needs they have for learning high quality mathematics, students need opportunities to work with other students who approach mathematics in a variety of ways,” said Bennett. “However, understanding how to create this kind of differentiated support can also be a challenge for teachers and teacher leaders who seek to improve overall learning systems.” 

Dr. Paul Gray, NCSM past president, commented on the importance of this work within the field noting, “This position paper is a companion to NCSM’s de-tracking position paper as math leaders and teachers need strategies on how to support all students in a de-tracked classroom; and this paper really fits that bill.” Gray emphasized the benefits of a strengths-based focus, which directs attention to students' assets and what they bring to the learning process, rather than focusing on what they do not know.

NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education is nationally recognized as the premiere mathematics education leadership organization. NCSM’s bold leadership in the mathematics education community equips and empowers a diverse education community to engage in leadership that supports, sustains, and inspires high quality mathematics teaching and learning every day for each and every learner. 

Bennett, specializing in the teaching and learning of mathematics, collaborates with teachers, teacher leaders, and entire school districts globally to enhance the meaningful and practical aspects of mathematics for students.

The College of Education is proud of Dr. Bennett’s contributions to NCSM. To learn more about NCSM and read the position paper, please visit: https://www.mathedleadership.org/position-papers/.  

To listen to the accompanying podcast, use this link: https://www.mathedleadership.org/podcast/