Two challenges currently confronting the mathematics education community are
effectively implementing reform-based strategies and increasing the mathematical learning
and achievement of Latino students. Mathematics educators are shifting away from traditional
classrooms to reform-oriented mathematics classrooms that focus on students actively
engaged in mathematical discourse in cooperative settings (NCTM, 2000). Although
cooperative learning is widely used and the research supporting this model of teaching is
impressive and solid, there is a lack of research on how working in collaborative learning
environments affects Latino students’ academic achievement in mathematics (Moschkovich,
1999).