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