Kasey Gamez is a Mathematics Teacher in the Lawndale Elementary School District, where she teaches both Common Core mathematics as well as a compacted class that accelerates and combines 7th and 8th grade math, putting students on the pathway to Algebra 1 in 8th grade.
As a double alumni, Kasey decided to enroll in LMU's Ed.D. Program specifically because of its commitment to "education of the whole person," which aligns to her teaching philosophy with her middle schooler students. Additionally, she joined the program to develop the tools to increase equity in the classroom, especially in mathematics education. Through her experience in the classroom, she has seen how the system is working against the mathematical success of many disadvantaged students, and she wanted to gain the knowledge to be able to make a change from inside the system.
Kasey’s dissertation, “Tracking in Middle School Mathematics: The Effects of Honors Mathematics Course Placement on Student Access and Achievement,” chaired by Jongyeon (Joy) Ee, Ph.D., investigated the effect of 7th grade mathematics placement on access and achievement for students in high school and beyond. Teaching honors math, she has seen how the lack of a placement policy has created inequitable placements into the honors class and used her dissertation research to investigate the true impact of not having an equitable policy. Kasey’s hope with her dissertation was to create a mathematics placement policy that could be implemented immediately and impact her current students, ensuring equity to honors courses for all.
Kasey immediately felt the professional impact of joining the Ed.D. Program. Since enrolling, she has become a part of different groups aiming toward equity and is now the head of the PBIS Committee. Additionally, she has worked with her principal to implement systemic changes to math placements and has seen placements being done more equitably as a result. This program has also opened up her eyes to the opportunities for change outside of the classroom and has really made her think about her answer to "what do I want to be when I grow up?," in the best way!
Kasey is so grateful that she was able to do this program alongside of Cohort 19. She has been continually impressed by their commitment to social justice and has learned so much from her classmates. It has been an absolute joy to take this journey with them.