Making Math Moments That Matter

In this episode, we hop on a call with Andrea; a middle school mathematics educator and Texas native now living and teaching in Germany. Andrea joins us with a pebble she is dealing with regarding the connectedness of the content (or lack thereof) she is feeling with certain topics at the end of the unit. She even goes as far as to describe this issue with some topics as having all of the sprinkles throughout the unit to engage students and help them achieve, but no real “cupcake” by the end. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How negative experiences stick with us longer than positive ones and some ideas on how to ensure we aren’t accidentally creating them for our students;The importance of student ownership of their learning through authentic work; Why some concepts seem to lend themselves more to authentic work that students take ownership of while others don’t; and,What we can do when we feel that something isn’t connected by the end of a unit of study. Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this episode we chat with Jake Hickson, the System Math Lead for the Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch of the Ministry of Education here in Ontario, Canada. Jake and his colleagues service students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low-vision as well as students who have one or more identified learning disabilities. We chat with Jake about the challenges he faces as a district mathematics leader who is mentoring educators across three (3) buildings that span great distances. While Jake has access to some built-in professional learning structures, the amount of time and delivery format is certainly less than he would like in order to engage in effective mathematics professional development. Stick around and listen in as we help Jake shake his district leader pebble out of his shoe! This is a Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a Math Moment Maker, just like you and guide them to some next steps in pushing their classroom or district leader practice forward. You’ll Learn: Why teaching using only “naked” problems is a problem;The role of strategies and mathematical models are necessary for students with and without learning challenges to build conceptual understanding;How to teach using “gourmet” pizza instead of serving up frozen pizzas each and every day; and, How mathematics leaders can still take steps forward in promoting professional development regardless of the logistical constraints that are working against you. Resources: Explore over 60+ Math Classroom Units on Make Math Moments Learn how to run a 3 Act Math Task Effectively Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Get a 6-Step Plan For Growing Your Math Classroom by joining the Make Math Moments Academy Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this Math Mentoring Moment episode we speak with a year 1 (first grade) teacher Sierra Classen in her second year of teaching from Melbourne, Australia. Listen in as we work through this common struggle we have all faced – either currently or in the past – related to students hyper focusing on answer getting over process. This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe by growing all six parts of their Mathematics Program. You’ll Learn: Resources: Characteristics of Effective Teaching of MathematicsPeter Lilejedahl’s websiteEpisode #11: Play Is The Engine Of Learning: An Interview with Dan FinkelTangramsRush hour (game)Spiralgraph Set Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

Steve is a Mathematics Specialist and Vice Principal of Academics in his school from the Seattle, Washington area. Join us as we learn about Steve and the work he and his colleagues have been engaging in to improve the overall teaching and learning process of mathematics in their building. While Steve shares that his team is “all-in” and “pulling the same wagon” we are pulling over here at Make Math Moments, they know that there is always a pebble kicking around in that shoe that needs a good shake-out. Stick around and we’ll hear about some of the current pebbles including how to “cover it all” when we are trying so hard to integrate mathematics teaching practices that we know are so important to build mathematically proficient students. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How to build a culture of learning in mathematics at your school/district;Strategies to ensure that we still “cover” the standards while engaging in effective teaching practices;Why everyone needs a coach to keep pushing and learning; and,How you might push your mathematics program to the next step along your journey. Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

This week we speak with Giovanni Patalano, a high school mathematics teacher leader from California. Giovanni is striving to continue pushing mathematics teaching practice in his school and across the district, but feels like they’ve hit a rut in the road. How can Giovanni assist his own school team of mathematics teachers continue making progress while also trying to help an overworked and understaffed district leadership team to continue making productive moves in the right direction? This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe by growing all six parts of their Mathematics Program. You’ll Learn: How can a school level teacher leader help to influence the direction of district wide initiatives when there may be too many priorities and not enough support?What PD structures can a teacher implement when on their own to plan and facilitate productive learning sessions?How can a teacher leader positively influence their peers and supervisors without stepping on toes?How can we focus both on the big picture for district wide goals, while leaving space for different schools to dig into different parts of their mathematics program tree? Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

Teaching mathematics in school is complex and often misunderstood. This paper titled Why Are Learning And Teaching Mathematics So Difficult by Alan H. Schoenfeld does a great job shedding some light on why this is the case. He argues that teaching and learning math is complex because of these three (3) big ideas: Thinking Mathematically – What does it mean to do mathematics?The Learning Environment – Structuring classroom experiences to allow students to think mathematically.Cultural Surround – How surroundings help or deter students from experiencing mathematical thinking.In this episode we’ll help shed some light here on the first of those three (3) big ideas: Thinking Mathematically. elements connected to Schonfeld’s first big idea - thinking mathematically - and how you can successfully integrate them into your program without adding more stress and time to your already jam-packed work load. You’ll Learn: Why teaching and learning math is difficult; Techniques you can implement to make the teaching of math less difficult for you and your students;What you should focus on most in the classroom with students; and,How to strike a balance between the specific content standards you have to teach and ensuring your students are thinking mathematically. Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

We dug into some survey data around why teachers are limiting their PD experiences or completing opting out and the results are kind of shocking. Stick around and you’ll hear why teachers are opting out of math PD and what we can do to help these fellow educators. You’ll Learn: Why are teachers feeling overwhelmed this year?Why some district PD programs are great for their educators and why some need an overhaul;How can you ensure you are meeting your math PD goals for the year; and, How a district’s PD goals can align with its teacher’s goals. Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

This week we speak with Rose Piso, an elementary interventionist teacher from Seneca Valley. Rose is dedicated to helping her students feel confident, accomplished, and proud. Rose also knows that there are topics and strands that we teachers should spend more time developing conceptually with our students rather than simply showing students an algorithm and moving on. How can Rose help the teachers she works alongside with recognizing the importance of teaching developmentally? What strategies and structures can she put in place to strengthen her whole school’s math program? Stick around and find out. This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the math moment maker community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe. You’ll Learn: What PD structures can a teacher implement without the support of administration?How can a teacher influence their peers without stepping on toes?What are the most important big ideas to focus on when teaching mathematics? Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

Maybe you’ve recently come across the idea of a Dan Meyer-style 3 Act Math Task and you’re intrigued to give one a shot with hopes to engage your students and help better understand the mathematics you’re teaching. Or, maybe you’ve used 3 Act Math Tasks and use them as a regular routine in your mathematics program. While there are many mathematics teachers out there who love a great 3 Act Math Task, the reality is that there are many more educators out there who have given one a shot and decided to move on and not look back. What gives? In this episode, Kyle and Jon discuss why many math teachers leveraging 3 Act Math Tasks in their mathematics programs do not observe an actual increase in student achievement when compared to their pre-3 Act Math Task days. Stick around and you’ll learn how to strengthen how you utilize your classroom resources so that students will flourish. In today’s episode, we’ll be digging into the “leaves” which are one (1) of the six (6) areas of every strong mathematics program. You’ll Learn: Why 3 act math tasks haven’t been working (for you);What you need to consider when evaluating resources you find online and at conferences;What changes can you make to your lessons and resources to see improved engagement and deep learning with your students; and, Where you can find lessons, units, activities that compliment the values you have for your math classroom. Resources: Explore over 60+ Math Classroom Units on Make Math Moments Learn how to run a 3 Act Math Task Effectively R2D2 Sticky Notes 3 Act Math Task Math Is Visual Number Talk Prompts Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Get a 6-Step Plan For Growing Your Math Classroom by joining the Make Math Moments Academy Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this Math Mentoring Moment episode we speak with a high school teacher who is in her second year of teaching. Teaching statistics and algebra 2, this educator became accustomed to teaching students who have come to class already motivated to learn mathematics. Now, she’s struggling to reach students working below grade level in a Remedial Math course. Stick around and you’ll hear us dig deep on what’s really going on in her classroom and what small changes she can make so students start saying “I got this” instead of “I don’t understand this at all”. This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the math moment maker community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe. You’ll Learn: How we can use varying approaches to help students when they say “I don’t understand anything”;What to focus on first when it seems kids aren’t “getting it”; and, How do we help students work along a concept continuum so they can make the gains they need. Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

How can we build thinking classrooms to create memorable math moments? In this special episode we share our opening session of the 2022 Make Math Moments Virtual Summit. Join Kyle, Jon, and Peter Liljedahl as they unpack how elements of a Thinking Classroom are entwined in the Make Math Moments 3-Part Framework. You’ll Learn: How to structure your lessons so they are engaging and encourage student thinking;What classroom structures can you put together to make every moment in your classroom matter;What are key questions you can ask students to gain the most insight into their thinking. Resources: Make Math Moments Virtual Summit Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

Do you feel that students are “different” compared to past years? Has it been a struggle to gain student attention and strengthen their work ethic? Are some of the behaviours you’re experiencing amplified? In this episode Kyle and Jon discuss their interpretation of the differences teachers are experiencing in their students and how you can use those differences to create a stronger mathematics program. Stick around and you’ll learn how to strengthen and align your classroom norms / rules so that students will flourish. Classroom Pillars are one (1) of the six (6) areas of every strong mathematics program. You’ll Learn: Why students may seem different now than in past years; What you can do in your classroom to align students to common goals;How to create your classroom pillars and why you need them; and, How to help key stakeholders understand your classroom values. Resources: Growing Success Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom Teacher & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this episode we casually chat with middle school math teacher and department chair Shawn Hershey. Shawn recently took our Make Math Moments District Assessment and received his customized report and improvement plan and he’s here to chat with us about optimizing the math program at his school. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: What to focus on first when helping your your fellow teachers shift their pedagogy; How can I use small goals to achieve large goals in the classroom; How the 6 parts of an effective math program support each other; and, How we can decide what pedagogical strategies are most important right now for our teams. Resources: Shawn is one of the founding members of the Make Math Moments AcademyMake Math Moments 3-Part FrameworkMake Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units District Math Leaders: Get Your Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you a district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this episode we dig into some of the results from over 100 district leaders across over 100 institutions around the world who have already jumped on the opportunity to take our 12-minute Mathematics Program Assessment Tool to learn not only where their system wide mathematics programs are flourishing, but also where those programs are met with speed bumps along the way. While some of the results from our assessment were not surprising, others definitely were and the mentorship calls we’ve had with over 25 different district leaders from around the world highlight that many of these struggles are not unique to any one school, district or jurisdiction. What are the bright spots we’re seeing across over 100 mathematics programs and what are the common hiccups along the way? Listen in to find out… You’ll Learn: Which areas are mathematics programs doing well; Which areas are mathematics programs struggling in the most; How you and your leadership team can identify the areas to improve in your school district to strengthen your school/district math program; and,What area you should focus on next to obtain the desired results you are after. Resources: The Impact of Identity in K-8 Mathematics: Rethinking Equity-Based Practices [Book] Measure What Matters - John Doerr [Book] Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool [Classroom & Leader Versions] Join the Academy - Free for 30 Days District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments Math Program Assessment Tool The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this compilation episode of the podcast in honour of Black History Month, Kyle & Jon highlight conversations from six educators of colour that have had a significant impact on their pedagogical practices as they continue their journey to craft a more culturally responsive classroom experience for all students. You’ll hear Beatrice Moore Luchin speak about creating a culturally relevant and culturally responsive approach to teaching m athematics, Marilyn Strutchens’ approach to teaching tasks with multiple entry points; you’ll hear about the importance of learning goals from Dr. Ayanna Perry; why kindergarten math matters from Isis Spann; Dr. Nikki Newton shares insights and practical lessons on why counting is more than just 1,2,3; Pamela Seda shares key insights from her book Choosing To See; and Tashana Howse shares how to provide equitable support to students. You’ll get some key ideas from Summit Sessions and past interviews that focus in on: How to create a culturally relevant and culturally responsive approach to mathematics instruction;How to create, find and use tasks with multiple entry-points;What a learning goal is and how you can write intentional learning goals for your students;Why Kindergarten math matters along with the strategies, tools and resources that will prepare your students for success;Why counting is more than 1, 2, 3 by learning about the complexity of the counting trajectory;How you can use a framework to build an equitable mathematics community; and,Equitable teaching practices and how you can implement them in your classroom daily. Resources: Episode #140: Math Is As Important As Reading - An Interview With Isis SpannEpisode #62: Learning Trajectories & Running Records: An Interview with Dr. Nicki Newton Episode #207: Choosing To See: An Interview with Pamela SedaEpisode #183: Ensuring Equitable Supports for Students – An Interview with Tashana HowseBeatrice Moore Luchin’s Summit Session on Creating a Culturally Relevant and Responsive Approach to Mathematics InstructionUsing Multiple Entry Level Tasks To Support look next lineMarilyn Strutchens’ Summit Session on Using Multiple Entry Level Tasks to Foster Mathematical Reasoning and Sense MakingAyanna Perry’s Summit Session on What’s a Learning Goal and How Do I Write One?Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this episode Jon and Kyle share an episode of their newest podcast Invested Teacher so you can help your students think about money. They bring on their co-host Matt Biggley to help you help your kids think about, earn, and use money that will put them on a pathway to build their own wealth. Let’s unpack common mindsets about earning and spending money, practical systems to help your kids understand the power of compound interest through routine activities, and what lessons can be helpful to emerge the big ideas around what Einstein refers to as “The 8th Wonder of the World.” What you’ll learn: How to help your kids think about money and their financial future; Why teaching kids about compound interest early in their life can have profound effects on their financial futures; and, How to help kids view earning and spending money through an opportunity cost lens. , Resources: Invested Teacher PodcastYou’re A Badass At Making Money [Book]Wheat and Chessboard ProblemPenny a Day Problem Based Math LessonDig into the Invested Teacher SUBSCRIBE, RATE AND REVIEW GIVEAWAY Download our Wealth Building BlueprintThe Invested Teacher Wealth Building Booklist Interested in Partnership Opportunities? For those interested in potential Joint Venture (JV) Partnerships, reach out to us here.

We speak with Lenny VerMaas from Lincoln Nebraska. Lenny joined us on episode 159 to chat all about not ditching your lesson model; reverse it. Lenny has spent 28 years as a middle and high school classroom teacher followed by an additional 16 years working to support math teachers and he’s here to work out some pebbles in his shoe around helping parents get on board with making math moments in our classrooms. This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How we can help parents understand how teachers are helping students to understand math, rather than teaching students to mimic procedures; How can we help parents experience joy, wonder, and beauty of math; Ways you can help parents help their children with math;The importance of allowing students “productive struggle” instead of jumping in and providing a solution;Why the “hand trick with multiplying by 9” works; and, Why having students share their successes with their parents will strengthen parent-math relationships. Resources: Find Lenny on Twitter: @lennyvermaas Lenny’s Bitly Page District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

TL is a 3rd / 4th grade educator from Grove City Pennsylvania. We welcome TL joined us back on Episode 198: Assessing Multiplication Facts. Back then we chatted all about math fact strategies and how we can use assessments to promote growth. TL joins us now to fill us in on her continued growth around developing math fact strategies and she also shares her carefully designed math blocks where she’s available to work in small groups. Stick around and you’ll hear her current pebble in her shoe: What standards should she focus on to get the “best bang for her buck”? This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we chat with a teacher like you who is working through some problems of practice and together we brainstorm ways to overcome them. You’ll Learn: How problem strings can give you a wealth of assessment data on your students;How can I structure my intervention time so students grow? How do we identify which standards are the most important to focus on? How can I use data to differentiate a learning path for my students? Resources: Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & Units District Math Leaders: How are you ensuring that you support those educators who need a nudge to spark a focus on growing their pedagogical-content knowledge? What about opportunities for those who are eager and willing to elevate their practice, but do not have the support? Book a call with our District Improvement Program Team to learn how we can not only help you craft, refine and implement your district math learning goals, but also provide all of the professional learning supports your educators need to grow at the speed of their learning. Book a short conversation with our team now. Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this episode, we speak with Guillaume Paré, a high school math teacher from Quebec City, Quebec. Guillaume has transformed his assessment and evaluation practices over the years to move away from overemphasizing grades and focusing more of the attention on growth. Guillaume is struggling with how to determine what should impact and influence both the feedback and grade for a specific standard when an error or misconception is not directly related to the learning goal of focus. Listen in as we help Guillaume weed through what really matters in his assessment and evaluation process by breaking things down and building it back up again. This is another Math Mentoring Moment Episode where we speak with a member of the math moment maker community where together we brainstorm strategies and next steps for teachers to overcome pebbles they have in their shoe. You’ll Learn: How evaluation practices can affect student perceptions of mathematics regardless of how “high” the grade might be;Why feedback is more helpful (and less hurtful) than assigning grades on student work;How much impact or influence mistakes should have on a final grade when using standards based grading (SBG);What areas of mathematics should we assess that are NOT standards in my course?Resources: Assessment For Growth [Course] - Module One is FreeGet a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment

In this episode we’ll share why we believe that an effective mathematics program must be cultivated and fostered like a strong, healthy and balanced tree. Most school districts that are underperforming in math are most likely impoverished in at least one of the 6 areas we’ll discuss in this episode. Stick around to learn how you can build your healthy tree so it stretches far, wide, and produces quality fruit and seeds that will strengthen the next generation. You’ll Learn: How to identify the areas to improve in your school district to strengthen your math program; What areas should you focus on next to obtain improved results in your math program; What first step you can take to put your school/team/district on the right path towards achieving success. Resources: District Leader Resources: Take the Make Math Moments District Assessment The Make Math Moments District Planning Workbook [First 3 pages] Learn About Our District Improvement Program Are you a district mathematics leader interested in crafting a mathematics professional learning plan that will transform your district mathematics program forever? Book a time to chat with us! Other Useful Resources and Supports: Make Math Moments Framework [Blog Article] Make Math Moments Problem-Based Lessons & Units Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District. Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program. Take the assessment