Chalk & Talk

• Balanced literacy didn’t work—will balanced math? with Ben Solomon (Ep 54)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke speaks with Dr. Ben Solomon, professor and researcher at the University at Albany with expertise in math assessment and intervention. Ben returns to the podcast to discuss “balanced math” and the recently released New York math briefs, which are part of the state’s numeracy initiative, and are set to shape professional development across New York. He explains why he and his colleagues launched a petition calling for the retraction of the briefs, pointing to omissions, misleading claims, and misuse of the term “evidence based.” They also unpack common math myths, such as the claim that timed tests cause math anxiety, and highlight the importance of explicit instruction while drawing parallels to balanced literacy and the reading wars. This timely conversation is essential for educators, policymakers, and anyone committed to improving math education. This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke Petition to Retract the New York Math Briefs: https://shorturl.at/bN7PF Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe University https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/masterclass-evidence-informed-mathematics-teaching   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:23] Introduction [00:04:22] Understanding the New York Math Briefs [00:09:46] The science of learning and its frameworks [00:16:18] Myth 1: Time Testing causes Math Anxiety [00:22:00] Myth 2: Explicit Instruction is Only for Students with Disabilities [00:27:10] What is Explicit Instruction? [00:29:45] The Importance of Explicit Instruction [00:34:07] Similarities between Balanced Literacy and Balanced Math [00:38:30] The Fundamental Misunderstandings of Explicit Instruction [00:41:51] Myth 3: Structured Practice of Math Facts and Standard Algorithms Isn’t Useful [00:43:56] Misconceptions about Conceptual Understanding [00:47:13] Myth 4: Discovery Learning Should be Prioritized in the Early Stages of Acquisition [00:51:50] The New York Math Scores [00:57:03] The Benefits of Math Fluency Programs [00:58:52] Replacement Documents for the New York Math Briefs [1:05:38] Final Thoughts   RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  Red flags in education research with Dr. Ben Solomon https://www.annastokke.com/podcast/episode/3a372141/red-flags-in-education-research-with-ben-solomon-ep-23 How to build automaticity with math facts (Anna Stokke) https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/math-fact-crisis-strategies-for-improving-numeracy-with-brian-poncy/ Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-17-do-timed-tests-cause-math-anxiety-with-robin-codding/ Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/universal-screening-in-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden-ep-50/ From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/from-decline-to-top-rankings-how-england-transformed-education-with-nick-gibb-ep-49/ Teachers Talk Radio https://www.ttradio.org/   RESOURCES Found here: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-54-resources/   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Found here: https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-54-transcript/   MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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• Using the Instructional Hierarchy to teach math with Brendan Lee (Ep 53)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke chats with Brendan Lee, a teacher and educational consultant focused on bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice. They discuss the instructional hierarchy and how teachers can tailor their teaching based on where students are in their learning journey––whether it’s the acquisition, fluency, generalisation, or adaptation stage. Brendan shares practical strategies and actionable advice that teachers can immediately apply in the classroom to better support student learning. This is an insightful discussion that will leave educators feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take on their next lesson.   Brendan Lee’s website: www.learnwithlee.net This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:23] Introduction [00:03:15] Understanding the Instructional Hierarchy [00:04:40] The acquisition stage [00:08:28] Teacher’s Talk Radio [00:10:39] Students’ struggles in the acquisition stage [00:12:48] Effective teaching techniques in the acquisition stage [00:19:37] Think-alouds: The meaning and purpose [00:23:45] Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract [00:33:47] Backwards fading method [00:34:58] Make or break method [00:36:50] Fluency stage: what teaching techniques work best [00:47:34] Generalization/adaptation stage [00:55:11] When to use teaching tools [01:00:55] Advice for new teachers using the Instructional Hierarchy   RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  Reclaiming learning time to boost literacy and numeracy with Ross Fox https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpy4n-188c9c5 Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ciqgm-17def6b Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f793 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-53-transcript  MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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• The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich (Ep 52)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke has an engaging conversation Dr. Alex Kontorovich, a math professor at Rutgers University with a strong passion for math outreach. They explore why practice in math is often undervalued compared to disciplines like music or sports. They also discuss Math Corps, which is a summer math program for kids that combines evidence-based learning strategies with high expectations. Alex recently founded a Math Corps chapter in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  The episode wraps up with a lively discussion about A Mathematician's Lament by Paul Lockhart, sparked by a comment from a listener. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a mathematician, or simply someone interested in education, this episode has something for you. This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction   [00:02:54] The value of math practice  [00:08:11] Engaging in math outreach  [00:11:44] Rutgers Math Corps: Structure and curriculum  [00:21:41] When research confirms what experience already knew  [00:24:05] Why times tables fluency matters  [00:30:07] Science of learning techniques in Math Corps  [00:35:42] Using hand gestures and building classroom culture  [00:40:01] Gamification  [00:42:23] Why well-meaning schools still produce poor results  [00:49:37] Discussion on A Mathematician's Lament  [01:16:03] Conclusion and final thoughts  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES How we learn:  Naïve, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3 Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1 Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-52-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-52-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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• Rocking the times tables with Bruno Reddy (Ep 51)

  In this episode, Anna Stokke chats with Bruno Reddy, a math teacher and the creator of Times Tables Rock Stars. They discuss his journey from founding a school to creating Times Tables Rock Stars to address foundational skill gaps. Bruno shares great ideas for generating excitement in the math classroom and motivating students to practice essential math facts. They also discuss the importance of math fluency, insights from a teacher exchange in Shanghai, and effective teaching strategies such as mastery learning and variation theory.  This is an energizing conversation full of useful takeaways for anyone passionate about improving math outcomes. Times Tables Rock Stars will be running national and regional competitions in Australia and New Zealand in August, September and October, 2025.  Follow their socials on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn for more information. Times Tables Rockstars: https://ttrockstars.com TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] Introduction [00:04:50] The origin story of Times Tables Rock Stars [00:14:20] Global times tables competitions  [00:15:38] The impact of TTRS on math outcomes [00:18:20] How to motivate students to practice [00:22:56] The importance of positive math experiences [00:28:25] Choral chants and community building [00:30:54] Lessons learned from the Shanghai teacher exchange program [00:34:50] Variation theory [00:43:37] Implementing mastery learning  [00:50:28] Fluency: What most math programs get wrong [00:52:29] The importance of times tables [00:56:05] Finding common ground in educational debates  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773 Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-51-transcript MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly Folded, Cornicob, Partly Sage Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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• Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden (Ep 50)

  Host and math professor Anna Stokke talks to Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden about a topic many Chalk & Talk listeners have asked about: universal screening in math. Amanda explains what universal screening is, why it matters, and how schools can use it to identify students who need extra support.  They also discuss how to choose validated screeners, common mistakes to avoid, and how screening connects to effective intervention. This is a practical, informative episode for teachers, school leaders, and anyone looking to strengthen math instruction. [00:00:00] Introduction   [00:04:17] Overview of universal screening  [00:07:51] Universal screening in math vs reading  [00:11:36] How to find validated screening tools  [00:19:32] Should screeners match the curriculum?  [00:23:31] 145 math skills that forecast success and when to teach them  [00:29:24] The problem with making screeners too easy  [00:31:37] Is Acadience a good screening tool?   [00:32:43] Comparing reading and math screening systems  [00:37:09] Recap: What to look for in a good screener  [00:40:12] Frequency and timing of screening  [00:44:18] The growing importance of math screening  [00:48:45] Addressing teacher concerns with screening results  [00:52:31] Conclusion and final thoughts  RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-22c7a-139dc72 Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6 Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-pj6z6-166741e EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-50-transcript EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-50-resources MUSIC Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it Podington Bear:  No Squirrel Commotion Blue Dot Sessions:  Avoiding the Backroom, Momentary Ease Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social  

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