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

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1. 

   E59 · 21 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 13 min

   Why reading became a human rights issue in Canada with George Georgiou (Ep 59)

   In this episode, Anna talks with Dr. George Georgiou, an educational psychologist and professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, whose work focuses on preventing and remediating reading difficulties. The episode explores recent Human Rights Commission investigations in Canadian provinces that examined why students haven’t been taught to read using effective, evidence-based, methods–what the inquiries uncovered, and how the situation deteriorated to this point. They also discuss George’s research on reading difficulties and his eye-opening study that revealed the gaps…

2. 

   E58 · 7 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 7 min

   When a mathematician became education minister: Nuno Crato on transforming education (Ep 58)

   In this episode, Anna Stokke welcomes Dr. Nuno Crato, research professor of mathematics and statistics at the University of Lisbon. He was Portugal’s former Minister of Education and led major education reforms from 2011 to 2015. His education reforms contributed to Portugal’s strongest-ever results on international assessments like PISA and TIMSS. Nuno shares his belief that everything starts with the curriculum and stresses the importance of clear standards, accountability, and student support. He also explains how Portugal raised academic rigor while helping struggling learners. They also…

3. 

   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

4. 

   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…

5. 

   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…

6. 

   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,…

7. 

   E53 · 22 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 3 min

   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…

8. 

   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…

9. 

   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…

10. 

    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…