As the John Jerome Paul Chair in Research for Equity in Mathematics Education, I have aimed to address the disparity in outcomes for students of Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian descent by focusing on research in schools serving students from these two populations. The goals of the chair as established in the terms of reference are:
1. To examine pedagogical factors that can improve mathematics achievement for students identified by the achievement gap in Nova Scotia, particularly students of Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian descent;
2. To engage in research that implements and examines culturally based approaches to mathematics education such as spatializing and verbing mathematics curriculum and engaging in inquiry projects similar to the highly acclaimed Show Me Your Math program;
3. To critically examine provincial and school-based assessment practices to determine whether or not they are culturally appropriate;
4. To make recommendations about culturally appropriate means of mathematics assessment;
5. To promote mathematics educational practices that honour and draw upon the historic knowledges and practices of African Nova Scotian and Mi’kmaw communities.
