Chalk & Talk

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

Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak

Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham

Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad

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

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

Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-u9y84-165d773

Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy

Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas

How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide

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

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

Math and the myth of ability with John Mighton

Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns

Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b

Math fluency matters with Brian Poncy

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

In this episode, Anna Stokke interviews The Right Honourable Sir Nick Gibb, former Minister of State for Schools in England. Nick discusses the bold, evidence-based reforms he led over a decade to reverse declining academic performance in English schools. From phonics-based reading instruction to math mastery, he explains how high expectations, rigorous curricula, and a focus on teacher training transformed outcomes—helping England rise to 4th in the world in reading on PIRLS and one of the highest-performing countries on TIMSS.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in meaningful education reform.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction 

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou

The tweet that roared with Tom Bennett

Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-49-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Oy Studio: Light comedy

Blue Dot Sessions: Avoiding the Backroom, Neatly folded, Momentary Ease, Balti

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Join math professor Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Stephen Chew, a cognitive psychologist at Samford University. They explore the different types of practice—naive, purposeful, and deliberate—and why understanding these distinctions can transform teaching and improve learning. The discussion also covers how to use feedback effectively, structure worked examples in math class, address common student misconceptions, and build trust in the classroom. They even tackle the term “active learning"—whether it actually means anything useful, and why the research on it may not be as clear as it seems. Packed with practical advice and research-based strategies, this episode is a must-listen for educators at all levels.

NOTE: The resource page contains research articles mentioned in the episode: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-resources

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 2. Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner

Ep 4. Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman

Ep 7. How to excel in math and other tough subject with Barbara Oakley

Ep 16. Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-48-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/episode-48-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

In this special mailbag episode, Anna Stokke tackles two listener questions and a comment. She breaks down a logic puzzle that stumped some fans, explains why relying on calculators isn’t a substitute for math fact fluency, and highlights comments from a listener about encouraging literacy trends in several Southern U.S. states.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction and Mailbag Announcement

[00:01:08] Question 1: Logic Problem from Episode 40

[00:04:47] Question 2: Can calculators replace math fact fluency?

[00:12:00] Comment on states that buck the declining scores trend

The Southern Surge: Understanding the Bright Spots in the Literacy Landscape

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES 

Ep 40 From math to science: How weak math skills hurt students

Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide

Ep 45 A decade of decline: Examining falling test scores with Mike Petrilli

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-47-transcript

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

Blue Dot Sessions – Momentary Ease, Neatly Folded

Website: www.annastokke.com

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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

Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow

Ep 33  Educational leadership:  Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill

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

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

In this episode, host and math professor Anna Stokke interviews Mike Petrilli, President of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, about the role of standardized testing in K–12 education. They discuss the benefits and criticisms of standardized tests, the methodologies behind tests like NAEP, international comparisons with PISA and TIMSS, long-term trends in student performance, and the consequences of declines in student achievement. 

Highlights include a discussion of Mississippi's educational success despite high poverty rates, and the potential influences of modern educational policies and smartphones. Mike Petrilli emphasizes the importance of accurate measurement for policymaking and shares advice on influencing educational policy.  This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education.

FREE WEBINAR: The Science of Math Instruction: Using Evidence-Based Practices in the Classroom, May 8, 2025.  Registration link: https://home.edweb.net/webinar/mathskills20250508/

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction  

[00:03:18] Discussion on standardized testing 

[00:06:14] Criticisms of standardized testing 

[00:12:25] Frequency and levels of testing 

[00:20:04] International perspectives on testing 

[00:23:11] Understanding NAEP 

[00:28:07] Recent trends in NAEP scores 

[00:28:41] Impact of the pandemic  

[00:31:16] Pre-pandemic declines  

[00:32:26] Comparing international trends: PISA scores 

[00:33:08] The role of smartphones 

[00:35:26] TIMSS scores 

[00:38:16] Long-term impact of declining academic achievement 

[00:39:20] Efforts to address learning loss 

[00:42:12] States that bucked the trend: the “Mississippi miracle”

[00:46:44] Low-performing states 

[00:49:54] Future strategies for education systems 

[00:53:22] Influencing educational policy 

[00:55:49] Conclusion and final thoughts 

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 33.  Educational leadership:  Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill

Ep 32. Identifying and educating advanced students with Jonathan Plucker https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y6cxs-16ad6f1

Ep 25.  Understanding reform math ideology with Tom Loveless

Ep 18.  Education myth-busting with Daisy Christodoulou

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-45-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-45-resources

MUSIC

Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it

X: @rastokke

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

Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Dr. Anna Stokke and guest Dr. Zach Groshell answer listener questions in a special mailbag episode. They cover strategies for managing varying levels of math proficiency in the classroom, critique the Building Thinking Classrooms approach, and discuss whether number talks should be prioritized for developing math fact fluency. This discussion provides practical insights and critiques on current educational practices to help teachers improve math instruction.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:44 Listener Question: Differentiating Direct Instruction

05:52 Zach's advice on differentiation

10:10 Listener Question: Building Thinking Classrooms

11:20 Are multiple access points effective?

15:14 Critique of Building Thinking Classrooms

19:03 Does research support using BTC?

20:53 Is everyone doing it wrong?

22:17 Observing BTC in action

23:46 Defining thinking and why mimicking is important

27:30 Permanent vs. non-permanent learning surfaces

29:04 The practicality of mini whiteboards

31:34 Advice from Anna & Zach on whether to use BTC

36:20 Listener question: Number talks and math fact fluency

37:53 Critique of number talks

40:09 Using effective methods for building math fact automaticity

42:19 Advice on mental math strategies

44:18 Using instructional time efficiently

46:21 Conclusion and book description

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 10 Maximizing learning through explicit instruction with Zach Groshell

Ep 36 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide

Ep 2 Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner

Ep 23 Red flags in education research with Ben Solomon

Ep 41 Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ciqgm-17def6b

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-44-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

Join Anna Stokke in conversation with Dr. Jamie Metsala, one of two content area experts on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read public inquiry. Jamie shares her expertise on the importance of strong early instruction in foundational reading skills, the pitfalls of balanced literacy, and the urgent need for evidence-based practices in education.  They explore the role of parent advocacy and the far-reaching implications of the Right to Read report, not just for Ontario, but for education systems across Canada and beyond. 

Jamie explains why universal screening matters, how structured literacy benefits all readers, and what effective intervention looks like. They also discuss the importance of teacher preparation programs and ongoing professional development to equip educators with the tools they need to teach reading successfully. 

With many provinces and states still relying on ineffective reading instruction, systemic change is critical. Jamie offers valuable advice for advocates, making this conversation essential listening for educators, parents, and anyone advocating for evidence-based education reform. 

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

NOTE: The resource page contains links to reports, articles, and websites mentioned in the episode: annastokke.com/ep-43-resources

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction 

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Ep 20 Reading and math: Parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns

Ep 27 Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow

Ep 29 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-43-transcript

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/ep-43-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