Chalk & Talk

In a captivating discussion, Mike Petrilli, President of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, shares his insights on the decline in standardized test scores and the complex role of assessments in K–12 education. He highlights Mississippi's educational strides despite poverty, contrasts U.S. scores with international benchmarks like PISA, and examines the impacts of the pandemic. Petrilli emphasizes the necessity of accurate assessments for effective policymaking and offers strategies for influencing educational policy—a must-listen for anyone invested in educational reform.

In this engaging discussion, Zach Groshell, a teacher, coach, and education consultant, shares expert insights into math instruction. He addresses how to manage diverse proficiency levels and critiques the Building Thinking Classrooms approach. Zach highlights the importance of foundational skills over new methodologies and shares practical strategies for effective differentiation. The duo also debates the value of number talks for building math fluency and emphasizes maximizing instructional time through efficient teaching practices.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jamie Metsala, a professor of education and an expert in reading acquisition, highlights the urgent need for evidence-based reading practices within education systems. She emphasizes the importance of universal screening and structured literacy, especially for students with reading disabilities. The conversation also delves into parent advocacy as a crucial factor in effecting systemic change, alongside the significant implications of the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read report. Jamie's insights on teacher training and the emotional effects of reading difficulties make this a must-listen for educators and parents alike.

Join Alex Smith, Director of Curriculum with a PhD in Math, and Justin Skycak, Director of Analytics specializing in AI learning platforms. They tackle Bloom's 2 sigma problem and how Math Academy's mastery learning principles can revolutionize math education. The conversation dives into leveraging knowledge graphs for effective learning, the concrete-pictorial-abstract teaching approach, and the importance of cognitive load management. They also discuss strategies for adult learners and future innovations at Math Academy, making this a treasure trove for math educators!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Sarah Powell, a Professor of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin, critiques a recent joint position statement on math instruction for students with disabilities. She highlights the lack of evidence-based practices, particularly the omission of explicit instruction, and argues for better recommendations to enhance learning outcomes. Powell emphasizes educators' ethical responsibility to employ effective methods and promotes research-backed strategies to tackle math difficulties, ensuring that every student can succeed.

Therese Markow, Professor Emeritus at UC San Diego and host of the Critically Speaking podcast, dives into the alarming decline of basic math skills among students and its critical impact on science education. She shares insights from her experience as a geneticist, exploring the fascinating link between math proficiency and logic. The conversation also tackles the potential genetic aspects of math abilities and debunks myths about gender and math skills. Markow emphasizes the importance of foundational math for success in life and academic pursuits.

Join Dr. Marcy Stein, professor emeritus from the University of Washington, Tacoma, as she unpacks the fascinating yet overlooked story of Direct Instruction (DI) and Project Follow Through, the largest educational experiment in the world. She reveals how DI effectively supports all students, not just the struggling ones, while discussing its origins and misconceptions. Marcy walks through a typical DI math lesson and shares strategies for bridging skill gaps, calling for a shift toward evidence-based educational practices amidst the political hurdles in academia.

In this discussion, Blake Harvard, a secondary AP psychology teacher known for his innovative methods and author of "Do I Have Your Attention?", delves into cognitive psychology and its impact on education. He shares fascinating insights on memory constraints and attention contagion, highlighting how classroom dynamics influence learning. Blake emphasizes the effectiveness of retrieval and spaced practice in reducing test anxiety and improving retention. He also challenges conventional views on creativity, arguing that a strong knowledge base actually fosters innovation.

Join Dr. Jo Castelino, a secondary school science teacher and author of "The Homework Conundrum," as she dives into the significance of homework in education. She explores the ideal amount of homework using the Cooper 10-minute rule and shares effective strategies for designing assignments. Jo discusses the relationship between homework and self-regulation, the challenges of academic integrity in the era of AI, and how to foster a supportive school culture around homework. Her insights are invaluable for educators and parents alike!

Discover effective strategies to help students master math facts with automaticity. Techniques like flashcards, cover-copy-compare, and incremental rehearsal make learning engaging and dynamic. Learn why timed practice is crucial for building fluency and how to implement these methods across various learning stages. Consistency and daily practice are key themes, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in mathematics while enjoying the process. Perfect for educators, parents, and students looking to enhance their math skills!