When it comes to supporting teachers in providing good mathematics instruction for their students, the 2023 California Mathematics Framework makes it abundantly clear that there are three areas of support that we need to provide teachers. The framework calls these the Three Dimensions of Systemic Change: An assets-based approach to instruction Active engagement through investigation […]
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about teaching is that each new school year feels like an opportunity to grow, try out new ideas, and build on both the successes and failures of the previous year. Amidst the hustle and bustle of starting a new school year, I hope you can find a quiet […]
ARTICLE: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lindadarlinghammond/2025/06/28/its-time-to-change-the-math-calculus-how-the-us-can-finally-get-math-education-right/ This article by Linda Darling-Hammond on Forbes highlights a significant crisis in mathematics education within the United States, pointing to low PISA scores and a widespread fear of math among students, leading to labor shortages in technical fields. Darling-Hamond highlights the need for comprehensive reform, drawing comparisons with high-achieving countries like Singapore, Japan, […]
The vision of our math team at the Merced County Office of Education comes straight from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Every students is “enthused by mathematics, sees the value and beauty of mathematics, and is empowered by the opportunities mathematics affords.” In this post, I want to focus on the last part […]
AB 1705 is about to fully go into effect. I hear you snoring already. Talking about legislation is very rarely interesting. But this time it is very relevant to all students who think they may go to a community college after high school. According to AB 1705, the lowest math course that can be offered […]
Take a moment to read the article linked below. Bottom line: California’s elementary math teachers are entering the classroom underprepared — lacking sufficient subject-matter and instructional training — just as the state mandates more rigorous and concept-focused math teaching statewide. Some main points the are really sticking with me… The National Council on Teacher Quality […]
It seems like since the very inception of public education in the United States, we have been grappling with what good math instruction should look like. For example, in 1895 John Dewey wrote, “There is no subject taught in the elementary schools that taxes the teacher’s resources as to methods and devices to a greater extent […]
In this time of state testing, many educators are focusing on how to improve their math scores…and rightly so. Rather than focusing on improving scores, let’s focus on improving mathematics instruction. The scores will take care of themselves. So…how do we improve math instruction? In this blog, I’ll share the six steps for improving math […]
There are lots of exciting (terrifying?) changes going on in the world of high school mathematics. I have written about some of them here. Mathematics pathways that meet the needs of the 21st century student A-G completion requirements High school courses that prepare students for community college (AB 1705) I encourage you to read this new article from […]
“What would you do with $20 million?” That was the question they asked me as we walked to our cars after a meeting at the end of the day. Trips to the Bahamas or purchasing a new guitar were out of the question because the $20 million in question was for the Mathematics Professional Learning Partnership (MPLP) […]