The Math Learning Center Blog

Rounding Up: Season 1 | Episode 1 There is a persistent myth in the world of education that mathematics is abstract and its teaching is not influenced by cultural contexts. This despite the fact that research and scholarship indicate that when students see how math applies to the world they recognize, they perform better. Today on the podcast Dr. Corey Drake , senior director of academic programs...

What does it look like to connect with your students and help them advance their thinking? How do we support them in making sense of mathematics? MLC’s new podcast, Rounding Up , aims to address the questions that matter most to busy elementary math educators, coaches and instructional leaders. Hosted by Mike Wallus, our VP of Educator Support, Rounding Up offers bite-sized professional learning...

At the Math Learning Center, we believe that all students can make sense of mathematics. Some students just need more time, more opportunities, and more support than others. Our approach emphasizes problem solving, the use of faithful visual models, and a focus on developing fluency. In March 2021, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the What Works Clearinghouse released a new version of...

The year is coming to an end. Soon your classroom will be quiet. No more pencils, no more books, no more finger counting, no more area models, no more calendar grid markers, no more pattern blocks and geoboard bands and base ten pieces littering the floor. As Sam Keen said, “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” You’ve earned all the relaxation you can get this summer; enjoy it...

At The Math Learning Center, we are committed to supporting elementary mathematics education that builds on the strengths of all students and teachers. We are always seeking to improve our curriculum and professional learning materials to reflect the most current research on equitable and effective teaching and learning. Recently, we’ve focused our efforts on revising Bridges Intervention to align...

Now more than ever, families are looking for ways to support their students’ mathematics education. They may not know where to start—the Bridges in Mathematics approach might appear a bit different from the way they were taught math. How can Bridges educators offer families a chance to see what a Bridges classroom looks like? How can they offer ideas and options for fostering their students’ math...

Meet Fawn Nguyen What grades do you teach and/or what is your title/role? My current role is Math TOSA (teacher on special assignment) for a K–8 school district. I support math teachers and their students. What school, district or institution do you work for? Location? Rio School District, Oxnard, CA What motivates you? My own three children and my students motivate me. They are young people whom...

Meet Shelley Whittaker Elementary Educator at Frank W. Begley Public School in Windsor, Ontario What inspired you to become an educator? First and foremost, my love of kids inspired me to become an educator. Also, I credit two all-star educators in high school—Nancy Lilliman and Rick McInnis literally saved my life. And based on the impact they had on my livelihood, I realized the incredible role...

As teachers, we strive to develop classrooms full of competent, confident mathematicians, and we know the vital role families have in supporting that work. But families, in turn, may also need support. The Math Learning Center’s Mathematical Practice Cards for Families can help. The Mathematical Practice Cards are a simple set of four two-sided cards based on the Math Practice Standards and...

This year more than ever, we here at The Math Learning Center want to express our sincere gratitude to educators. We have watched you meet the challenges of this school year with grace, renewed commitment, resilience, and flexibility. You’ve inspired us with your creativity and innovation as we’ve watched you adjust course to not only support your students’ learning but to build community and...