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

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 in pre-service teachers’ knowledge of language and literacy. They talk about recent reforms in Alberta, including the rollout of universal literacy screening–what the results have shown so far, and how parents and schools are responding. This conversation really highlights what’s possible when research, policy, and practice come together.  As always, Anna advocates that math deserves the same attention as reading.  It’s a must-listen for educators and policymakers worldwide.  This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke Supporting the Right to Read in Manitoba (Manitoba Human Rights Commission, 2025) https://www.manitobahumanrights.ca/education/pdf/public-consultations/supportingrighttoread.pdf TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:01:09] Findings from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission [00:06:02] George Georgiou’s research background [00:08:02] The Right to Read Human Rights Reports in Canada [00:12:11] Thoughts on the Right to Read reports [00:16:26] Similarities with math [00:17:07] Good curriculum that focuses on foundational skills [00:19:31] The study: Pre-service Teachers' Knowledge of Language and Literacy Concepts [00:27:39] Results of the Human Rights Report in post-secondary education [00:29:46] Reaction to the study: Pre-service Teachers' Knowledge of Language and Literacy Concepts [00:30:39] The Alberta English Language Arts curriculum [00:32:56] Is the new curriculum working? [00:37:31] What is universal screening? [00:44:50] What are the free assessments? [00:48:46] Findings of the assessments [00:53:38] Communicating the results to parents [00:54:34] Criticism on the screening process and results [01:00:40] Reading intervention programs [01:05:33] Final Thoughts: The future of early screening and intervention in Canada [01:09:02] Final Thoughts: What role should universities play in preparing teachers? RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/how-advocacy-is-changing-reading-instruction-with-jamie-metsala/ Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/using-evidence-in-education-with-pamela-snow-ep-27/ Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-20-reading-and-math-parallels-and-pitfalls-with-matthew-burns/ Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/universal-screening-in-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden-ep-50/ EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-59-resources EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-59-transcript MUSIC Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic Website: www.annastokke.com X: @rastokke LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stokke-3a1b4c Bluesky: @rastokke.bsky.social

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 discuss what Nuno’s research on PISA and TIMSS reveal about the characteristics of effective education systems and the lessons policymakers can draw from Portugal’s success. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone with an interest in improving education. This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke Nuno Crato’s website: https://www.nunocrato.org   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:05:12] Becoming Portugal’s Minister of Education [00:08:51] Adjusting to the position of Minister of Education [00:13:07] The landscape of the Portuguese Education System, early 2000s [00:19:08] The importance of a good curriculum [00:23:07] Using TIMSS data to structure a knowledge-based curriculum [00:26:22] Using testing to ensure curriculum goals are met [00:29:11] Concerns about project-based learning [00:34:18] Standard assessments and evaluations [00:39:31] Accountability markers and incentives for standard assessments [00:43:08] Addressing testing and accountability criticisms [00:44:59] Becoming informed about evidence-based pedagogy [00:48:23] What PISA data reveals about effective types of instruction [00:51:04] Does more money spent on education translate to better outcomes? [00:52:15] What changes are more likely to lead to better outcomes? [00:54:58] Results of PISA and TIMSS in 2015 Portugal [00:59:53] Pushback to education reforms and where it came from [01:04:54] Advice to policymakers RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 The importance of practice and the power of Math Corps with Alex Kontorovich https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d8bef-1916f6d EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-58-resources   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-58-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

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

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 her 50-year career in education and offers advice for teachers looking to strengthen their instructional practices and help all students succeed.   This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:05:26] Anita’s background in explicit instruction [00:07:30] The three big C’s (clear, concise, and consistent) [00:10:25] What is explicit Instruction? [00:13:30] Problems with multiple strategies [00:15:50] Explicit instruction is effective and efficient [00:20:58] Research on explicit instruction [00:27:11] Who does explicit instruction benefit? [00:30:56] When to begin using explicit instruction [00:38:24] Lack of awareness about effectiveness of explicit instruction [00:42:32] Teaching well from the start reduces tier 2 intervention [00:45:55] identifying the different stages/phases: I do, we do, you do [00:44:48] Phase 1: I do [00:47:43] Phase 2: We do [00:49:47] Phase 3: You do [00:53:29] Importance of giving students opportunities to respond [00:58:57] What are unison choral responses? [01:03:17] The importance of structured turn and talks [01:08:31] Resource recommendations and Archerisms RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  The Science of Math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-3-the-science-of-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden/   Maximizing learning through explicit instruction with Zach Groshell https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-10-maximizing-learning-through-explicit-instruction-with-zach-groshell/   Balanced literacy didn’t work—will balanced math? with Ben Solomon https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/balanced-literacy-didn-t-work%e2%80%94will-balanced-math-with-ben-solomon-ep-54/   EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-57-resources EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-57-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

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 effective teaching and student learning.   Register for the Masterclass:  Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe School of Education   Read the book, Instructional Illusions, here: https://tinyurl.com/instructional-illusions    TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introductions [00:05:15] What are Instructional Illusions? [00:07:30] The difference between illusions and myths [00:11:13] The discovery illusion [00:12:50] Why do people believe in discovery learning? [00:19:50] The curse of knowledge [00:24:29] The innovation illusion [00:30:01] Unmasking the innovation illusion [00:32:59] The expertise Illusion [00:38:04] The Dunning-Kruger effect [00:43:48] Unmasking the expertise illusion [00:47:50] The uniqueness illusion [00:50:52] The engagement illusion [00:57:10] Shifting the focus to cognitive engagement [01:01:28] The student-centred illusion [01:05:00] Unmasking the student-centred illusion [01:06:23] Is the science of learning a fad? RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  Evidence Based Teaching Strategies with Paul Kirschner https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep2-evidence-based-teaching-strategies-with-paul-kirschner/   Mindsets and Misconceptions with Carl Hendrick https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-22-mindsets-and-misconceptions-with-carl-hendrick/   EPISODE RESOURCES Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-56-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

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 instruction and improve student learning.   This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke   Register for the Masterclass:  Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe School of Education   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:22] Introduction [00:04:52] Question 1: How can new teachers learn about evidence-based practices? [00:09:52] Book recommendations [00:16:08] researchED [00:18:12] Question 2: Grading math assessments with points versus using standards-based grading [00:23:00] The 1,2,3,4 scale breakdown [00:26:16] Consistency with the grading system [00:27:30] Question 3: Free class-wide interventions to address math knowledge gaps [00:28:40] Delta Math RtI [00:33:09] Supporting high school math students with large knowledge gaps [00:38:46] Recommended resources [00:43:22] Question 4: England’s times table check [00:47:40] Question 5: Are spiraling programs ineffective? [00:50:02] Understanding spiraling vs. interleaving vs. spaced practice [00:56:14] Program recommendations [00:59:44] Final thoughts   RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937 Rocking the times tables with Bruno Reddy https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/rocking-the-times-tables-with-bruno-reddy/ Math fact crisis: Strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/math-fact-crisis-strategies-for-improving-numeracy-with-brian-poncy/   EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-55-resources   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-55-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

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, such as the claim that timed tests cause math anxiety, and highlight the importance of explicit instruction while drawing parallels to balanced literacy and the reading wars. This timely conversation is essential for educators, policymakers, and anyone committed to improving math education. This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke Petition to Retract the New York Math Briefs: https://shorturl.at/bN7PF Masterclass: Evidence-informed Mathematics Teaching, La Trobe University https://shortcourses.latrobe.edu.au/masterclass-evidence-informed-mathematics-teaching   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:23] Introduction [00:04:22] Understanding the New York Math Briefs [00:09:46] The science of learning and its frameworks [00:16:18] Myth 1: Time Testing causes Math Anxiety [00:22:00] Myth 2: Explicit Instruction is Only for Students with Disabilities [00:27:10] What is Explicit Instruction? [00:29:45] The Importance of Explicit Instruction [00:34:07] Similarities between Balanced Literacy and Balanced Math [00:38:30] The Fundamental Misunderstandings of Explicit Instruction [00:41:51] Myth 3: Structured Practice of Math Facts and Standard Algorithms Isn’t Useful [00:43:56] Misconceptions about Conceptual Understanding [00:47:13] Myth 4: Discovery Learning Should be Prioritized in the Early Stages of Acquisition [00:51:50] The New York Math Scores [00:57:03] The Benefits of Math Fluency Programs [00:58:52] Replacement Documents for the New York Math Briefs [1:05:38] Final Thoughts   RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  Red flags in education research with Dr. Ben Solomon https://www.annastokke.com/podcast/episode/3a372141/red-flags-in-education-research-with-ben-solomon-ep-23 How to build automaticity with math facts (Anna Stokke) https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 Math fact crisis: strategies for improving numeracy with Brian Poncy https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/math-fact-crisis-strategies-for-improving-numeracy-with-brian-poncy/ Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/ep-17-do-timed-tests-cause-math-anxiety-with-robin-codding/ Universal screening in math with Amanda VanDerHeyden https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/universal-screening-in-math-with-amanda-vanderheyden-ep-50/ From decline to top rankings: How England transformed education with Nick Gibb https://chalkandtalkpodcast.podbean.com/e/from-decline-to-top-rankings-how-england-transformed-education-with-nick-gibb-ep-49/ Teachers Talk Radio https://www.ttradio.org/   RESOURCES Found here: https://www.annastokke.com/resources/ep-54-resources/   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Found here: https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-54-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

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 feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take on their next lesson.   Brendan Lee’s website: www.learnwithlee.net This episode is also available in video at www.youtube.com/@chalktalk-stokke   TIMESTAMPS [00:00:23] Introduction [00:03:15] Understanding the Instructional Hierarchy [00:04:40] The acquisition stage [00:08:28] Teacher’s Talk Radio [00:10:39] Students’ struggles in the acquisition stage [00:12:48] Effective teaching techniques in the acquisition stage [00:19:37] Think-alouds: The meaning and purpose [00:23:45] Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract [00:33:47] Backwards fading method [00:34:58] Make or break method [00:36:50] Fluency stage: what teaching techniques work best [00:47:34] Generalization/adaptation stage [00:55:11] When to use teaching tools [01:00:55] Advice for new teachers using the Instructional Hierarchy   RELEVANT PREVIOUS EPISODES  Reclaiming learning time to boost literacy and numeracy with Ross Fox https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bpy4n-188c9c5 Supporting students with math difficulties with Sarah Powell https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-ciqgm-17def6b 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 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f793 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://www.annastokke.com/transcripts/ep-53-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

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 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mrwn2-18adce0 Math Academy: Optimizing student learning with Alex Smith and Justin Skycak https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jawpr-181e0c3 Applying cognitive science to education with Daniel Willingham https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-szugf-149dff1 Modern relevance in the math curriculum with Brian Conrad https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gek66-148967a 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 https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zps9p-18c1e97 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 Cognitive load theory in math class with David Morkunas https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-znh5k-15f7937 How to build automaticity with math facts: A practical guide https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3ny3k-17323a9 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