Making Math Moments That Matter

What happens when two math teachers throw out homework, redefine grading and assessment, and make student growth the heart of every math lesson?Too many classrooms are dominated by points, pressure, and compliance. But what if your students actually chased learning—without sacrificing test scores or accountability? In this episode, Keenan Clark and Jake Towers join Jon Orr to reveal how they transformed their math classrooms by replacing traditional grading and homework with a feedback-rich, skills-based assessment system. The result? More engagement, better relationships, and soaring standardized test results.Listen in to discover:How eliminating homework and embracing flexible assessment led to deeper learning and less stressThe assessment shift that helped raise AP Calculus pass rates from 41% to over 80%Why building student-teacher relationships through weekly feedback conversations became the secret to sustained motivationIf you’re ready to ditch the points race and start fueling real learning, hit play now.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

In this case study episode, we dive into a common but concerning classroom reality: students passively waiting for instructions while teachers carry the cognitive load. This learned helplessness undermines students’ mathematical thinking and independence. So, what can you do as an instructional leader to shift the culture? How can you move from answer-getting to genuine resilient problem sovlers and productive struggle? Join us as we unpack both short- and long-term leadership moves that can create the conditions for high cognitive demand and student agency in math classrooms. Whether you're a coach, principal, or system leader, this episode offers a clear roadmap to start driving change—one intentional action at a time.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why learned helplessness shows up in classrooms—and how to recognize it.The difference between surface-level engagement and deep mathematical thinking.Concrete leadership moves to foster productive struggle in the short term.Long-term strategies to build a culture shift from answer-getting to problem-solving.How to use classroom observations as a tool for change, not just evaluation.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

In the push to cover content and keep pace, it's easy to jump straight to the algorithm. But what if that focus on efficiency is doing more harm than good? In this episode, we explore how rushing to procedures can rob students of opportunities to reason, make connections, and develop true mathematical understanding in three(3) critical math topics. Together, we’ll unpack what’s really at stake—and how a shift in mindset can help you cultivate curious, confident math thinkers. Slowing down might just be the most powerful move you make.Key Takeaways:Why students fall back on tricks—and what to do instead.The impact of jumping to algorithms too soon.How to create space for reasoning and connection.Practical strategies for building conceptual understanding.Shifting your math block from procedural to purposeful.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

District improvement efforts often stall—not because of a lack of intention, but because of misaligned objectives, vague goals, or a failure to track meaningful progress. In this episode, we dig into the foundational question: What are we really trying to achieve? You'll learn how to craft clear, lofty district-wide objectives that serve as a true north year over year, while also committing to short-term key results that are specific, time-bound, and attainable. Most importantly, we discuss how to build the monitoring systems that ensure your actions translate to outcomes. Whether you're a district leader, school administrator, or instructional coach, this episode offers a roadmap to drive intentional, measurable change in your system.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why yearly goal-setting often leads to misalignment and fatigueThe difference between transformational objectives and key resultsHow to define 3-, 6-, and 9-month milestones that are realistic and measurableQuestions to ask when committing to an action: Is it clear? Is it possible? Is it worth it?How to use progress monitoring systems to keep a pulse on changeNot sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Are we teaching students fake math — and missing the chance to build real mathematical thinkers?If you've ever felt frustrated that your students are following procedures without true understanding — or wondered why some students seem "mathy" while others struggle — this conversation with math is figureoutable’s Pam Harris will open your eyes. Together with Jon Orr, Pam Harris uncovers the hidden traps in traditional math teaching that reinforce shallow learning, and she shares how rethinking what mathing really means can transform both teachers and students.By tuning into this episode, you'll discover:Why many algorithms unintentionally trap students into rote learning rather than real reasoning.How to high dose essential mathematical patterns so that all students — not just a few — build deep, flexible thinking.Practical ways to shift professional development toward meaningful, lasting teacher growth (beyond just pedagogy tips).Press play now to rethink what true math understanding looks like — and how you can spark it in every classroom - math is figureoutable!Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

As a K-12 math coordinator, coach, leader are you constantly collecting resources, leading PD, and chasing the next big idea—only to wonder if any of it is actually changing classroom practice?If you're a math coach, coordinator, or administrator who feels stuck in a loop of sharing best practices without seeing those practices transferred consistently into the classroom, this episode dives into the heart of that struggle. Kyle Pearce, Yvette Lehman, and Jon Orr confront a challenge many leaders face: how to balance continuous learning with focused implementation. When every new initiative feels urgent, how do you know when it's time to stop gathering and start doing?In this episode, you’ll discover:Why more math PD doesn't always equal more impact—and how to recognize the tipping point.A smarter approach to setting math goals that actually result in classroom change.How to build coordinated support systems in mathematics that turn professional learning into real-world results.If you’re ready to move from overwhelmed to intentional leadership, press play and let’s reimagine how math professional learning should really work.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

How can we bridge the gap between modern math classrooms and the way our generation learned math?Today’s classrooms look nothing like they did 20 years ago—by design. But while educators are embracing student-centered math that fosters deep understanding, many parents are left confused or concerned. Kelly Green, an experienced educator and math consultant, joins the show to tackle one of education’s most overlooked challenges: bringing parents along in the math transformation. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, admin, or parent, this episode reveals what’s needed to turn resistance into partnership.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why traditional math anxiety still haunts both kids and educators—and how to break the cycle.How to proactively communicate instructional shifts to parents (and avoid backlash over things like the delayed standard algorithm).What schools and leaders can do to build strong homeschool math connections that empower—not alienate—families.Press play to learn how you can strengthen your math community by turning parents into partners in the learning journey.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Math professional development is everywhere—but is it actually helping teachers grow? In this episode, we explore Jim Knight’s Outside-In and Inside-Out models of professional learning, diving into why traditional top-down math PD often fails to make an impact and what happens when teachers take the lead in their own learning. Learn how math PD can shift from being a checkbox to a catalyst for real change by aligning with the everyday challenges math teachers face and the students they serve. Whether you lead math PD or participate in it, this conversation will reshape how you think about growth.Key Takeaways:Why outside-in math PD often falls flat, even when strategies are research-based.The power of inside-out math PD in addressing real student needs and fostering ownership.How math leaders and math coaches can support more personalized, impactful professional learning.The role of teacher autonomy and reflection in creating lasting change.Simple shifts to make math PD more relevant, responsive, and effective.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

Why Your Struggling Students Aren’t Catching Up—Even With Extra HelpIn this episode, we take a closer look at MTSS—Multi-Tiered System of Supports—through the lens of mathematics. While many schools have a clearer vision of what MTSS looks like in literacy, applying the same structure in math can be more complex. We unpack what Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports mean in a math context, examine the differences between math and literacy intervention models, and explore what current research says about effective practices. From the importance of strong core instruction to the challenges of designing meaningful interventions, we explore how educators can build a math support system that truly works for all students.Key Takeaways:understand how each tier of MTSS translates to the math classroom.reflect on the differences between math and literacy interventions and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.learn what research recommends for effective math support at each tier.recognize the importance of strong Tier 1 instruction as the foundation for all students.leave with practical considerations for designing responsive, aligned math interventions that go beyond pull-out support.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.

School districts often invest significant time and money into purchasing new math curriculum resources, but all too often, those materials end up collecting dust—or worse, being implemented in ways that dilute their impact. In this episode, we unpack what comes after the purchase. How do you move from adoption to actual transformation in the math classroom? We explore what the research says about effective math curriculum implementation, the common pitfalls that undermine high-quality math tasks, and actionable steps districts can take to ensure materials are used as intended—supporting deeper learning and equitable access for all students in mathematics.Key Takeaways:Buying the resource isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point of a longer implementation journey.Effective professional learning and ongoing support are essential for helping teachers use materials as intended for math impact.Improper use or over-scaffolding can unintentionally lower the rigor of high-quality tasks.Clear vision, modeling, and consistent messaging from leaders create the conditions for successful implementation.We share insights from implementation science and education research to guide your next steps.Regular feedback loops and math classroom observations help ensure that implementation is both effective and responsive.Not sure what matters most when designing math improvement plans? Take this assessment and get a free customized report: https://makemathmoments.com/grow/ Math coordinators and leaders – Ready to design your math improvement plan with guidance, support and using structure? Learn how to follow our 4 stage process. https://growyourmathprogram.com Looking to supplement your curriculum with problem based lessons and units? Make Math Moments Problem Based Lessons & UnitsShow NotesLove the show? Text us your big takeaway!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 assessmentAre you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.