KU Professor Selected to Lead Evaluation of Early Math Literacy in Teacher Preparation Programs

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University’s Dr. Michele White, associate professor of Elementary, Middle Level, Library and Technologies Education, alongside Dr. Karise Mace ’22 of Kutztown Area School District have been selected as two of 40 experts from across the country to participate in a national convening, known as Counting Connections, on early math literacy and learning Oct. 8-10 in Atlanta. The convening is sponsored by the Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (Branch Ed).

As with early literacy indicators, early success in mathematics is a strong predictor of achievement later in formal schooling. Because math proficiency leads to increases in college and career opportunities, many professional organizations, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, advocate for approaches to early math learning that increase interest and value in mathematics, build self-confidence and problem-solving skills and further develop communication and reasoning skills. There continues to be a need for developing best teaching practices in early math education that build on children’s experiences and knowledge, including their family, linguistic, cultural and community backgrounds; their individual approaches to learning; and their informal knowledge.

To that end, BranchED will convene a group of up to 40 math scholars and practitioners from university and early childhood contexts in early-fall 2024 to explore the status of early math literacy and to identify needs within teacher preparation programs. The information gleaned from this convening will inform the curation of a knowledge base and set of corresponding resources to support of families, teacher preparation, districts and community organizations in developing early math literacy in children.

"The selection of Dr. Michele White and Dr. Karise Mace for this prestigious national convening is a testament to Kutztown's commitment to excellence in education,” said Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, College of Education. “Their participation in Counting Connections not only recognizes their expertise, but also highlights the strong partnership between Kutztown University's College of Education and the Kutztown Area School District. This collaboration positions us at the forefront of early math literacy and learning, demonstrating our dedication to advancing education both locally and nationally."

White teaches courses in elementary mathematics and science methodology at KU and supervises pre-service teachers in early field placements. She also serves as the coordinator for the Master of Education Initial Certification PreK-4 program and is an active faculty member in the KU Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Transformational Teaching and Learning Program in the College of Education. Her research interest focuses on teacher development.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with BranchEd and be among many experts in the field,” White said. “This collaboration brings such excitement and hope for the future of early mathematics education for all young learners and their families. Access to positive early experiences in mathematics is powerful in the successful development of every child. I am sincerely grateful to participate in this convening."

Mace holds degrees in mathematics, secondary mathematics education and transformational teaching and learning. She has more than 25 years’ experience working in mathematics education, including teaching mathematics in grades K-12 and at the university level. Mace’s university experience also includes teaching mathematics pedagogy to pre-service teachers at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She currently works as a support teacher for gifted students and a mathematics interventionist in the Kutztown Area School District. Her research interests include the development of mathematical mindsets in students and teachers and the impact of metaphorical frameworks for mathematics on teaching and learning.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this important work,” Mace said. “Mathematics can be a gateway or a gatekeeper to educational and career opportunities. I am excited to join a team committed to ensuring the mathematical development and opportunities for our youngest learners, so that they will experience mathematics as a gateway."

BranchED is a professional services organization and a collective of university faculty and leaders advancing educational equity and excellence by expanding individual capacity, enabling supportive relationships, boosting institutions effectiveness and collaborating with communities. We believe every student deserves access to caring, adaptive and well-prepared teachers; every teacher deserves preparation that fuses quality with diversity and every person benefits when we create a higher standard of education together. We are committed to achieving programmatic transformation leading to improved outcomes for diverse educators who, by extension, benefit all students by preparing them to thrive in our heterogeneous society.

Learn more about KU’s College of Education online or by calling 610-683-4300.