Math Ed Podcast Episode 2502: Discussing the Science of Math - Sarah Powell and Rachel Lambert
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Apr 13, 2025 
Sarah Powell, a professor at the University of Texas, leads the Science of Math initiative, aiming to enhance math education through evidence-based practices. Rachel Lambert from UC Santa Barbara critiques this initiative, raising concerns about current methodologies and the interpretation of instructional claims. They explore the importance of balancing procedural fluency with conceptual understanding in math, discuss misconceptions about algorithms, and advocate for higher citation standards in educational research. Their insights provide a thought-provoking dialogue on improving math instruction for all students.
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Origins of Science of Math Group
- The Science of Math group formed during the pandemic when research slowed down. - Sarah Powell gathered a team to create resources to support math teaching using evidence-based practices.
Math Proficiency Challenge
- About 64% of fourth graders and 74% of eighth graders in the U.S. don't meet minimum math proficiency. - The Science of Math focuses on research-validated practices to help the majority struggling with math.
Science of Math Is a Movement
- Science of Math is a movement like Science of Reading, growing through conversation and social media. - It is not a product but a shared effort to discuss research-validated math teaching practices.