Chalk & Talk

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

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic

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

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

 

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic

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

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

 

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic

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

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
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Math Teaching Tips with Barry Garelick and JR Wilson
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MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic

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

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

MUSIC
Intro & Outro: Funk Jazz Big Band -  ColorFilmMusic

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