Education

Chalk & Talk

Everyone wants to see children and young adults succeed in math, but it can be difficult to sort myths from facts in education. Join math professor, Anna Stokke, for conversations with leading educators and researchers about the importance of math, effective teaching methods, and debunking common myths about math and teaching. Chalk & Talk is a podcast for anyone interested in education, including educators, parents, and students.

Latest Episodes:

How Two Teachers Turned Math Achievement Around with Max and Todd (Ep 80) Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna is joined by two elementary school teachers from California who are appearing anonymously so they can speak candidly about their experiences.

Both teach at a school where math achievement has remained consistently low.

After watching many of their students struggle with the curriculum they were expected to use (Illustrative Math), they began exploring research, learning about the science of learning and evidence-informed teaching practices, and rethinking what they had been taught about how children learn math. They changed the way they taught math and the results were remarkable. Their students began the year below the national average in math and finished well above it.

This inspiring conversation explores what happens when teachers refuse to accept poor outcomes and take the initiative to find better ways to help their students succeed.

Max and Todd are also interested in hearing your thoughts and questions.

Submit feedback and questions about this episode here: https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-80/

Sept. 29, 11:00 AM CST Livestream for Making Sense of PISA 2025: Live with Montserrat Gomendio): https://www.youtube.com/live/g_VTy4q55zo?si=9CWypiuqR1GyHIWc

Chalk & Talk website: www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:04] Introduction
[00:04:03] Remarkable math gains in a struggling school
[00:07:05] What they learned in teacher education about math instruction
[00:14:49] A school facing years of poor math outcomes
[00:17:54] When classroom reality didn’t match what was being taught
[00:23:43] Illustrative Math and issues with problem-based instruction
[00:33:50] A close look at an Illustrative Math lesson
[00:43:14] Recognizing the teaching approach didn’t work
[00:46:35] How they transformed their math instruction
[00:54:28] What explicit instruction looks like in the classroom
[00:58:52] Creating more opportunities for students to respond
[01:01:54] How administrators responded to the results
[01:06:11] Evidence-informed teaching has a huge impact
[01:11:38] Advice for teachers
[01:15:03] When a teacher’s work feels hopeless

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://chalkandtalkpodcast.com/episode/ep-80/

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s2zyd-1a717d6

Teaching math so students learn with Craig Barton
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vr69j-1a277a2

Using the Instructional Hierarchy to teach math with Brendan Lee
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3zux7-193d0fc

Transforming education through behaviour science with Dr. Kimberly Berens
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9tfz7-16f2e02

The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d

Math & the Myth of Ability with John Mighton
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-22c7a-139dc72

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Website: http://www.chalkandtalkpodcast.com/
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Math Fact Crisis, Two Years Later with Brian Poncy (Ep 79) Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna is joined by returning guest Dr. Brian Poncy to discuss math fact fluency and whether improving students’ fluency with basic number operations leads to better overall math achievement.

Brian shares new results from the first year of a large implementation of the free Facts on Fire program in a Texas school district. They discuss what the data shows, how the program has evolved based on teacher feedback, and what educators are saying about it.

They also revisit five evidence-based reasons why fluency—being able to do math both accurately and effortlessly—matters. With a new school year underway, this episode offers practical and encouraging ideas for helping students build automaticity with math facts through clear instruction, practice, and feedback.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:04] Introduction
[00:04:25] What’s changed with Facts on Fire?
[00:08:15] Measuring fluency in problems per minute
[00:14:47] How Facts on Fire builds fluency through practice and feedback
[00:17:29] How much practice do students need?
[00:20:11] Facts on Fire goes school-wide in Texas
[00:23:22] Teachers’ experiences implementing Facts on Fire
[00:24:56] Did Facts on Fire improve math achievement?
[00:30:10] What the MAP data reveals
[00:34:40] The impact of Facts on Fire and the results
[00:42:40] Five reasons why fluency matters
[00:43:01] Cognitive load and working memory
[00:46:15] Increasing opportunities to respond
[00:47:31] Effort, reinforcement, and building confidence
[00:49:23] Maintaining skills and promoting generalization
[00:52:14] Recapping the five reasons fluency matters
[00:54:26] The future of Facts on Fire
[00:56:19] A call to action for the new school year
[00:57:58] Final thoughts

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-79-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-79-transcript

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

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

How to Build Automaticity with Math Facts: A Practical Guide
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9

Rocking the Times Tables with Bruno Reddy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2pbdy-18f76df

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

The Science and Craft of Great Teaching with Nidhi Sachdeva and Paul Kirschner (Ep 78) Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna is joined by returning guests Dr. Nidhi Sachdeva and Dr. Paul Kirschner, authors of the upcoming book Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching.

They explore what makes an expert teacher and how teaching expertise can be deliberately developed. They discuss the importance of deep subject knowledge, mental models, deliberate practice, and reflection, while explaining the difference between the science and the craft of teaching.

They also examine how teaching expertise can be measured and why striving to become an expert teacher is both a professional responsibility and an equity issue.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:03:26] What makes an expert teacher?
[00:12:09] Why teacher content knowledge matters
[00:13:24] Why content knowledge isn’t enough
[00:16:00] Schemas & pattern recognition explained
[00:18:04] How expert teachers think
[00:22:55] Deliberate practice to develop teaching expertise
[00:30:31] The challenge and importance of deliberate practice
[00:38:31] The importance of reflection in teaching
[00:40:51] The science and craft of teaching
[00:47:57] A reflection on teacher education preparedness
[00:55:21] Can teaching expertise be measured
?[00:01:07] The responsibility to become an expert teacher
[01:11:40] Final thoughts

RESOURCES
Becoming an Expert Teacher: Deliberate Practice for Effective Teaching https://www.routledge.com/Becoming-an-Expert-Teacher-Deliberate-Practice-for-Effective-Teaching/SachdevaKirschner/p/book/9781041107453
Code to get 20% off: 26AFLY2

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-78-transcript

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
We know more about teaching than ever ¬– so why is change so slow? With Joanna Barbousas
https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/we-know-more-about-teaching-than-ever––so-why-is-change-so-slow-with-joanna-barbousas-ep-69/

Rebuilding teacher training through cognitive science with Jonas Linderoth https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/rebuilding-teacher-training-through-cognitive-science-with-jonas-linderoth-ep-60/

How we learn: Naive, purposeful, and deliberate practice with Stephen Chew https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/how-advocacy-is-changing-reading-instruction-with-jamie-metsala/

Exploring evidence for equitable education with Nidhi Sachdeva and Jim Hewitt https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fjdnt-1685615

Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/using-evidence-in-education-with-pamela-snow-ep-27/

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X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Five math myths that are holding students back (Ep 77) Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

In this solo episode, Anna Stokke explores five common misconceptions in math education that may sound convincing but aren't supported by high-quality evidence. This episode is based on a chapter she wrote for The Practice Project, which is a joint initiative of the American Enterprise Institute and researchED, dedicated to improving classroom practice through research-informed professional knowledge.

She tackles five common misconceptions about math instruction: teaching multiple strategies to new learners, relying on technology instead of learning facts and procedures, believing that conceptual understanding must precede procedures, using problem solving as the primary method of instruction, and thinking that practice turns kids off math. She concludes the episode by discussing evidence-based approaches that better support student success in mathematics.
This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

The Practice Project article can be read here: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/five-math-education-misconceptions-that-are-holding-students-back/

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:02:16] Myth #1: New learners should learn multiple math strategies

[00:05:41] What to do instead

[00:06:04] Myth #2: Technology makes facts and procedures unnecessary

[00:09:31] Myth #3: Conceptual understanding must come before procedural skill

[00:13:50] Myth #4: Problem solving is the best way to teach mathematics

[00:15:09] The instructional hierarchy guides instructional methods

[00:16:29] Myth #5: Practice turns kids off math

[00:18:41] What the evidence says about effective math instruction

[00:20:06] Final thoughts: takeaways for teachers and parents

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
Cognitive load theory and learning math with John Sweller
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-s2zyd-1a717d6

Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction with Tom Sherrington
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-hmh6w-1a3a5b0

Techniques for Building Fluency with Math Facts
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9

Cognitive load theory with Greg Ashman
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56

Evidence-based teaching strategies with Paul Kirschner
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-thbad-13cea56

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-77-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-77-transcript

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

The Story Behind Mississippi’s Education Turnaround with Rachel Canter (Ep 76) Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Rachel Canter, Director of Education Policy for the Reinventing America's Schools Project and author of the report Inside the Mississippi Marathon. They explore how Mississippi transformed from one of the lowest-performing states in fourth grade reading and math to one of the highest-performing in the U.S., despite Mississippi being one of the poorest states.

They discuss the policies behind the turnaround, including growth-based accountability, early literacy initiatives, higher expectations for students, evidence-based instruction, and being transparent with parents. They also discuss how Mississippi improved education outcomes for some of the most marginalized students and what other jurisdictions can take away from Mississippi’s success. This episode is a must listen for educators, school leaders, policymakers, parents, and anyone interested in learning how sustained, evidence-based reform can improve student outcomes.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:04:51] Mississippi’s education system in the 90s
[00:10:57] Holding underperforming schools accountable
[00:14:25] Transforming accountability through A–F school grades
[00:20:16] The Literacy-Based Promotion Act and the Science of Reading
[00:28:07] Being honest with parents about student performance
[00:32:09] Third-grade retention: The controversy and the impact
[00:39:44] The three Ps of reform: Policy, People, and Persistence
[00:41:33] Mississippi's gains in reading and math
[00:49:41] Why accountability is difficult but important
[00:52:24] The political will behind Mississippi's turnaround
[00:55:39] Can other places replicate Mississippi's success?
[00:58:26] Final thoughts

RESOURCES

Inside the Mississippi Marathon by Rachel Canter: https://www.progressivepolicy.org/inside-the-mississippi-marathon/

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-76-transcript

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

The Finland myth, East Asia’s rise, & what makes education systems work with Montse Gomendio
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7k52u-1a8a731

From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97

Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6

The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bksbz-13c732d

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

How high expectations drive student achievement with Doug Lemov (Ep 75) Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and one of the most influential voices on effective teaching practice. They discuss educational equity and why strong teaching, clear behaviour routines, high expectations, and academic rigor are essential for helping every student succeed.

They also discuss practical classroom strategies, including how to use cold calling effectively, active observation in math class, and building a culture where students are engaged and accountable for learning. Teachers, school leaders, and anyone interested in evidence-based education will find practical, actionable insights in this conversation.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:03:06] Teach Like a Champion – is it about social justice?
[00:05:36] Why some stress is essential for learning
[00:10:38] School culture and how students respond – Asha’s story
[00:16:28] How can you change school culture?
[00:23:01] Why behaviour expectations are important
[00:30:28] Why it’s important to be upfront about classroom policies
[00:37:25] Teaching Techniques: Active Observation
[00:45:36] Teaching Techniques: Cold Calling
[00:53:06] The false positives of volunteer responses
[00:58:36] Why having a mental model of how learning happens is critical for teachers
[01:03:48] Final thoughts

RESOURCES

Teach like a Champion: https://teachlikeachampion.org/

Basketball leadership Teacher article https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7167858/2026/04/03/dusty-may-michigan-basketball-leadership-teacher/

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-75-transcript

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Inside one of England’s top-performing non-selective schools with Robert Peal
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p7uyp-1ad62d6

The case for practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d8bef-1916f6d

Educational leadership: Improving math and literacy with Scott Hill
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vpzf8-16d0c17

Stress and learning with Dan Rosen
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-94vv4-147a254

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Mailbag II: Math standards, teacher content knowledge, and more with Jonathan Regino (Ep 74) Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

In this special two-part Chalk & Talk mailbag series, Anna Stokke is joined by Jonathan Regino, Pre-K–12 Supervisor of Math at Interboro School District, to answer questions submitted by listeners.

In Part 2, Anna and Jonathan tackle topics such as calculators in IEPs, math fact fluency, teacher content knowledge, the importance of mastering fractions, the role of NCTM in math education, and what evidence-informed math instruction looks like in classrooms. Drawing on their extensive experience in mathematics education, they provide practical, research-informed insights for teachers, school leaders, and parents.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

Olivier Chabot’s Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/c97a098a-7c1f-4e80-aa02-0ff73164b8e8?addSource=true&pli=1

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:02:42] Is too much content contributing to lack of math mastery?
[00:07:11] Prioritizing critical math content
[00:09:13] Common Core and issues with focussing on multiple strategies

[00:14:47] Questions about standard algorithms
[00:18:19] The role of NCTM

[00:26:11] Helping teachers improve math content knowledge
[00:33:23] What to focus on after math facts
[00:41:38] Myths about math facts and neuroscience
[00:44:17] Do calculators help with students who have IEPs?
[00:50:36] Final thoughts

RESOURCES

https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-74-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-74-transcript

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

Science of Math: The movement everyone's talking about with Sarah Powell (65)

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gar68-1a4c913

The power of explicit instruction with Anita Archer

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-93dcw-19a3530

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

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-usvqw-1962107

How to Build Automaticity with Math Facts: A Practical Guide (solo episode)

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9

Understanding math reform ideology with Tom Loveless

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7ih4c-15dbf9a

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Mailbag I: Choosing math resources and handling mixed classes with Jon Regino Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

In this special two-part Chalk & Talk mailbag episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Jonathan Regino, Pre-K–12 Supervisor of Math at Interboro School District, to answer questions submitted by listeners.

Together, they answer questions from teachers and parents about math resources, explicit instruction, teaching mixed ability classes, supporting advanced learners, and more. Drawing on their experience in mathematics education, Anna and Jonathan share practical, evidence-informed insights for teachers and school leaders looking to improve student outcomes.

This is Part 1 of a two-part listener Q&A special.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

Virtual assistant to help you get answers from past Chalk & Talk episodes: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/c97a098a-7c1f-4e80-aa02-0ff73164b8e8

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:03:35] Saxon Math and Singapore Math
[00:09:59] Recommended books for math teachers
[00:13:28] Difference between Direct Instruction and direct instruction
[00:16:10] Resources for preparing students for algebra
[00:18:10] Tips for introducing evidenced-based instruction to colleagues
[00:26:27] Teaching mixed ability classes
[00:28:39] Teaching advanced students
[00:31:14] Resources for advanced students
[00:33:42] Ability grouping and mixed ability classrooms
[00:36:05] Flexible ability grouping
[00:39:32] Final thoughts

RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-73-resources

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-73-transcript

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES
What to do when “Research Shows” shuts you down: A guide for parents and teachers
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9t822-1ab0f70

Teaching math so students learn with Craig Barton
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-vr69j-1a277a2

Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3

Project Follow Through: Direct Instruction's overlooked success with Marcy Stein
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-a9fqx-17a2ffb

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

Math Teaching Tips with Barry Garelick and JR Wilson
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-97efn-13f9a35

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Inside one of England’s top-performing non-selective schools with Robert Peal (Ep 72) May 29, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna Stokke is joined by Robert Peal, joint head teacher of West London Free School, one of England’s highest-performing non-selective schools. Robert is also the author of Progressively Worse and co-author, with Nick Gibb, of Reforming Lessons: Why English Schools Have Improved Since 2010 and How This Was Achieved. Anna visited West London Free School recently and invited Robert to join the podcast to share what makes the school so successful.

They discuss the school’s approach to behaviour, school culture, high expectations, and a knowledge-rich curriculum. They also talk about England’s school reforms and why ineffective educational fads have continued to resurface throughout history, despite weak evidence. Teachers, school leaders, and policymakers will find practical insights on how structure, high expectations, a knowledge-based curriculum, and effective teaching are the keys to improving student outcomes.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:03:37] Inside West London Free School
[00:07:21] Why Free Schools were established in England
[00:12:33] Establishing behaviour expectations
[00:17:04] House points and celebrating achievements
[00:18:07] School sanctions
[00:21:06] Silent corridors, and their role in the West London Free School
[00:25:33] Parents’ response
[00:29:10] Breakdown of the ‘House System’
[00:36:59] A knowledge-rich curriculum in practice
[00:41:28] Training teachers on best teaching practices
[00:46:35] Grouping students based on readiness
[00:50:23] Formative assessments and summative assessments
[00:54:53] Is socioeconomic background a good excuse for poor outcomes?
[01:00:07] Final advice

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97

The Finland myth, East Asia’s rise, and what makes education systems work with Montserrat Gomendio
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-7k52u-1a8a731

Rocking the times tables with Bruno Reddy
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2pbdy-18f76df

Education myth busting with Daisy Christodoulou
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z2q9q-14ce080

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-72-transcript

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Website: www.annastokke.com
FB: Chalk & Talk
IG: @chalkandtalkpodcast
Tiktok: @chalkandtalkpodcast
X: @rastokke
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c
Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

Conviction vs. evidence: What’s driving math education’s worst policies with Thomas Briggs and David Shuck (Ep 71) May 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Anna Stokke continues the conversation from the previous episode on what happens when requests for evidence are dismissed with the phrase “research shows.” She is joined by Thomas Briggs and David Shuck from the Center for Educational Progress to explore why ineffective or unsupported practices persist in education.

Thomas and David introduce an important distinction between misunderstanding and conviction: sometimes educators genuinely believe they are following best practices, while other times evidence is ignored or dismissed due to ideology. They discuss examples including flawed advanced math placement decisions, an update on the New York math briefs controversy, concerns around programs like YouCubed, and the impact of San Francisco’s math de-tracking experiment.

The conversation examines how “research shows” can be used both in good faith and as a way to shut down debate, while offering listeners practical ways to think critically about evidence and education policy.

This episode is available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke

Anna Stokke was recently a guest writer for the Center for Educational Progress. That article is available at https://www.educationprogress.org/p/what-to-do-when-research-shows-shuts

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:22] Introduction
[00:03:16] What is the Center for Educational Progress?
[00:05:10] Two reasons ineffective educational practices persist
[00:07:57] Examples of misunderstandings
[00:09:11] Students being denied access to advanced math
[00:16:14] Is conviction one of the biggest barriers to evidence-based education?
[00:18:56] The controversy around the New York Math Briefs
[00:21:43] NYSED response to Ben Solomon’s petition
[00:25:27] Why did the NYSED’s response shift to political motivation?
[00:27:41] The response from the New York Math Briefs expert
[00:33:24] YouCubed’s education claims and flawed methodology
[00:38:21] YouCubed’s updates and more underlying issues
[00:44:23] San Francisco’s failed de-tracking experiment
[00:51:57] Why tracking and ability grouping helps students
[00:58:52] Final piece of advice for parents and teachers

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES

What to do when “Research Shows” shuts you down: A guide for parents and teachers
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9t822-1ab0f70

Balanced literacy didn’t work––Will balanced math? with Ben Solomon
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-usvqw-1962107

Science of Math: The movement everyone’s talking about with Sarah Powell
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gar68-1a4c913

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

Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a

California's math controversy with Jelani Nelson Part I
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d3bai-144ec76

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-71-transcript

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band - ColorFilmMusic

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