Reclaiming learning time to boost literacy and numeracy with Ross Fox (Ep 46)

Apr 25, 2025

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ANECDOTE

Parent's Honest Comment Sparks Change

Ross Fox shared a parent comment that kids were safe and happy but poor in NAPLAN learning results.
This led him to question why learning often took a backseat to safety and happiness in schools.

ADVICE

Reclaim Lost Learning Time

Schools often waste over four hours a week not on learning, which is recoverable time.
Prioritize and protect learning time to significantly boost student achievement.

ANECDOTE

Personal Moment Drives Literacy Focus

Ross was moved to study literacy deeply after the birth of his first child.
He found existing reading approaches flawed and discovered the importance of the science of reading.

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In Episode 46, Anna Stokke chats with Australian education leader Ross Fox. As the former Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, Ross led a major shift in teaching practices that led to significant gains in both literacy and numeracy.

The episode begins with an overview of the Australian education system. They then explore Ross’s implementation of the Catalyst program—an initiative grounded in the science of learning. Ross discusses how high-impact teaching strategies and high-quality instructional materials led to measurable improvements in achievement, reduced inequities, and enhanced student motivation and behaviour. They also explore why the science of learning movement is critical for the future of education in Australia—and beyond. This episode will be of interest to educators, school leaders, policymakers, and anyone passionate about improving teaching and learning outcomes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Free Webinar with Dr. Anna Stokke and Dr. Ben Solomon: The Science of Math Instruction: Using Evidence-Based Practices in the Classroom, May 8, 2025. Registration link: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/mathskills20250508/

researchED Toronto: https://researched.org.uk/event/researched-toronto-2025/

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction and announcements

[00:02:33] Introducing Ross Fox

[00:04:14] Understanding the Australian education system

[00:09:56] Challenges in education and the Catalyst program

[00:11:03] The importance of effective teaching and learning

[00:19:22] Implementing the Science of Reading

[00:26:10] Defining and supporting learning

[00:30:45] High impact teaching practices

[00:32:12] Knowledge-rich curriculum

[00:36:17] Implementing effective math pedagogy

[00:40:49] Supporting teachers with high-quality math instructional materials

[00:44:28] Addressing educational inequities

[00:47:34] The Catalyst program: Goals and implementation

[00:49:10] Assessment and feedback for effective teaching

[01:00:53] Professional learning and teacher support

[01:04:09] Future directions and optimism in education

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 26 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937

Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jc9mq-161ecac

Ep 33 Educational leadership: Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vpzf8-16d0c17

Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3ny3k-17323a9

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-46-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-46-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Podington Bear - Kitten
Blue Dot Sessions – Town Market, Momentary Ease, Mazamorra, Squirrel Commotion
Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social