Title:An Interdisciplinary Perspective on the Study of METS Attainment

Abstract: The goals of this paper are threefold. The first goal is to offer a working description of interdisciplinary research. The second goal is to argue that research is often advanced where scholars across disciplines or traditions read, advise, engage, and critique one another’s scholarship. The intent is to describe how a social problem is more fully articulated and addressed using the tools, theories, and methods of multiple disciplines operating in an interactive and iterative fashion.  The third goal is to suggest the need for an organizational framework to engage in interdisciplinary scholarship on pressing social problems. The specific social problem solving activity to be addressed is the advancement of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology (METS) attainment in metropolitan America..

Title:Issues and Challenges in Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Abstract: The session will discuss topics of interest ranging from the common curriculum initiative to teacher education and a variety of other issues which impact teachers of mathematics.

Title:Engaging K-12 Teachers in the Mathematics Education Research Community

Abstract: The work of mathematics education researchers involves the domains orf reading, asking questions, gathering evidence, analyzing information, and making claims (Boaler, Ball, & Even, 2003). This presentation discusses the challenges and benefits of engaging techers in the mathematics education research community. Using the domains of practice for research in mathematics education as a framework, I discuss the various roles researchers and teachers assume during the research process, my work encouraging and engaging teachers to participate in the research process, and what I am continuing to learn from this work. I will pay particular attention to ways of establishing and maintaining university partnerships with teachers, administrators, and district personnel.