The Mathematical Association of America Maryland-District of Columbia-Virginia Section

The Fall 2025 Meeting of the MD-DC-VA section of the MAA will be held at the University of Mary Washington on November 14-15, 2025.

On Friday, Rebin Muhammad of Montgomery College will give the banquet address, A Classroom Journey into Islamic Geometric Patterns. Friday workshop information is coming soon.

The Saturday morning address Math that Meets the Moment: Reconceptualizing the Role of Math in Ensuring Educational Equity will be given by Andrea McChristian of Just Equations and the Saturday afternoon address A Better Math for Grading: Why We Need to Update How We Assess will be given by Paul Buckley of Gonzaga College High School.

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Rebin Muhammad

Banquet Address:A Classroom Journey into Islamic Geometric Patterns

Abstract: This talk explores the mathematical foundations and cultural significance of Islamic geometric patterns, showing how symmetry, proportion, and repetition generate intricate yet harmonious designs. Drawing on examples from historical architecture and manuscripts, the presentation connects mathematical reasoning with artistic and cultural expression. It also highlights an interdisciplinary course between the Math and Art departments at Montgomery College where students recreate patterns using traditional tools and modern technologies such as 3D printing and digital modeling.

Biographical Sketch: Dr. Rebin Muhammad, originally from Kurdistan, Iraq, is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Montgomery College. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Ohio University and previously taught at Salahaddin University-Erbil and Soran University in Iraq. His work bridges mathematics, art, and culture, focusing on Islamic geometric patterns as a link between analytical reasoning and creative expression. Through hands-on learning that integrates 3D printing, digital design, and inquiry-based teaching, he helps students experience mathematics as both tangible and artistic, promoting inclusion and creativity in the classroom. Beyond teaching, Dr. Muhammad is also interested in chess, mountain biking, and hiking.

Andrea McChristian

Saturday Morning Address: Math that Meets the Moment: Reconceptualizing the Role of Math in Ensuring Educational Equity

Abstract: Andrea McChristian, Just Equations' national policy director, will walk through how math can serve as a gatekeeper to opportunity. Using several examples – including how calculus is considered in college admissions and the complicated role of math in the transfer process – McChristian will demonstrate the important place of equity in math education. After the presentation, there will be time for Q & A.

Biographical Sketch: Andrea McChristian is the National Policy Director for Just Equations. Prior to joining Just Equations, McChristian served as Policy Research Director at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Earlier, McChristian served as the Law and Policy Director for the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, as a litigation associate with a New York law firm, and as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Petrese B. Tucker of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. McChristian has a bachelor's degree in political science from Yale University, a master's degree in early childhood education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a law degree from Columbia Law School. McChristian also served as a Head Start teacher for two years in the Las Vegas Valley as a member of Teach for America.

Paul Buckley

Saturday Afternoon Address: A Better Math for Grading: Why We Need to Update How We Assess

Abstract: Too many teachers use an outdated grading system that isn't fair to the students and makes questionable mathematical sense. The 100-90-80 scale, the averaging of tests and quizzes within a marking period, and the factoring of homework and class participation all serve to place the focus on scoring well rather than learning. In this presentation we will look at what are the components of a proper grading scale. What type of scale should be used? How do we weigh various forms of assessment, and how do we weigh them over time. What role does behavior play in the grade? How should reassessing be utilized? Whether switching to a Standards-based approach or something similar, math teachers need to be at the forefront of promoting a grading system that makes mathematical sense.

Biographical Sketch: Paul Buckley has a BA in Mathematics from the College of the Holy Cross and a Masters in Education from George Washington University. He has been teaching math for 31 years, the last 27 of which have occurred at his alma mater, Gonzaga College High School, in Washington, DC, where he is also currently serving as the Chair of the Math Department. Over the past 18 years he has served on the Leadership Team first for AP Statistics and more recently for AP PreCalculus. He serves as an AP Consultant for both subjects. He has presented on the teaching of Statistics and the use of alternative grading locally in DC, as well as nationally at NCTM and AP Annual Conferences. He has been a content creator/consultant for Collegeboard, Barron's, Hewlett Packard, Bedford Freeman Publishers and the Skew the Script website. He was recently nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for Washington, DC.