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

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1. 

   E58 · 30 Oct 2025 · 32 min

   Top takeaways from Anita Archer on explicit instruction (abridged version of Ep 57)

   This episode features top takeaways from Anna Stokke’s interview: The Power of Explicit Instruction with Dr. Anita Archer. If you haven’t heard the full conversation yet, you can find the entire episode on the Chalk & Talk YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/EE5wvi-xQTM?si=Wx8W4eb5YOqdWEvM Anita is one of the world’s leading experts on explicit instruction and co-author of the bestselling book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching. Resource page: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-57-resources

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   E57 · 25 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 18 min

   The power of explicit instruction with Anita Archer (Ep 57)

   Episode 57: The power of explicit instruction with Anita Archer In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Anita Archer, one of the world’s leading experts on explicit instruction and co-author of the bestselling book Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching. They discuss what explicit instruction is, why it’s both effective and efficient, and what the research says about its impact. Together, they discuss who benefits from explicit instruction, common mistakes teachers make, and practical strategies such as the “I do, we do, you do” model. Dr. Archer also shares insights from…

3. 

   E56 · 10 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 14 min

   Unmasking instructional illusions with Paul Kirschner, Carl Hendrick and Jim Heal (Ep 56)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes three leading experts in education, Dr. Paul Kirschner, Dr. Carl Hendrick, and Dr. Jim Heal for a fascinating discussion about their new book, Instructional Illusions. Drawing on decades of experience and research, they explore key ideas from the book, including how to bridge the gap between educational research and classroom practice. Together, they discuss the science of learning, evidence-informed teaching, and how educators can apply research insights to improve instruction. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about…

4. 

   E55 · 26 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

   Mailbag: How to get started with evidence-based math instruction & tackle gaps with Jonathan Regino (Ep 55)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke hosts an informative mailbag edition with guest Jonathan Regino, supervisor of math (pre-K-12) at Interboro School District in Pennsylvania and an experienced classroom teacher. Drawing on their combined experience and expertise, they tackle listener questions, ranging from how to address large knowledge gaps among students to program recommendations. They also offer guidance on becoming informed about evidence-based practices, effective ways to assess students, and more. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to strengthen math…

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   E54 · 12 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 10 min

   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,…

6. 

   E52 · 28 Jul 2025 · 1 hr 17 min

   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…

7. 

   E51 · 7 Jul 2025 · 1 hr

   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…

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   E50 · 18 Jun 2025 · 54 min

   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…

9. 

   E49 · 30 May 2025 · 1 hr 19 min

   From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb (Ep 49)

   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…

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    E48 · 16 May 2025 · 57 min

    How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew (Ep 48)

    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…