Choosing the right math textbook is a critical decision for California educators. While the state’s approved list provides a starting point, it’s essential to remember that being on the list doesn’t guarantee quality. In fact, many approved textbooks simply meet the bare minimum requirements. To truly empower students with effective math education, districts must look beyond the […]
In 1989 I began my teaching career at Roosevelt Junior High School in Oakland where I taught 8th and 9th grade mathematics. I was completely ill-equipped to teach students who were just a few years younger than me. Chronic-absenteeism was so high, my class rosters were in the mid-40’s so as to ensure a daily […]
Here we are in January, 2025. As you have likely heard, in July, 2023 the California Board of Education unanimously approved the new revision of the California Mathematics Framework (this in itself should be a series of blog posts, but I’ll save that for another day), which means school districts throughout Merced County will soon […]
As a math coach who serves schools in multiple districts, I need to be clear on what I am aiming for during my coaching. What am I helping the teacher to do or learn or improve upon? I’ve decided my focus is to support teachers implement AMBITIOUS math instruction for their students. Ambitious instruction deliberately […]
Here we are in October, 2023. As you have likely heard, this past July the California Board of Education unanimously approved the new revision of the California Mathematics Framework (this in itself should be a series of blog posts, but I’ll save that for another day.), which means school districts throughout Merced County will soon […]