The "F" words that Matter: Fidelity and Flexibility in Literacy with Dr. Carol Tolman

The "F" words that Matter: Fidelity and Flexibility in Literacy with Dr. Carol Tolman

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2522493/open_sms] In this episode of The EBP Exchange, I sit down with Dr. Carol Tolman for a candid conversation about two of the most misunderstood forces in literacy implementation: fidelity and flexibility. We unpack what it really means to stay true to the science of reading while still honoring the needs of teachers, students, and real classrooms. We explore common barriers to implementation, where schools get stuck, and how knowledge, not just programs, drives meaningful change. It’s an honest discussion about literacy, leadership, professional courage, and navigating the tensions that come with doing this work well.

The Curiosity Shift: Transforming Number Sense

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2522493/open_sms] In this episode, I meet with Amanda Jgentenfl, and we dive into the heart of early math development and why number sense is the foundation on which everything else is built. Amanda unpacks the power of subitizing and how helping children see quantities flexibly sets them up for deeper mathematical thinking rather than just memorization. We talk about why strong number sense matters so much in the early years, how gaps form when that foundation isn’t solid, and what that means for later math learning. We also explore simple, practical math games that build fluency, flexibility, and confidence without turning math into drills and stress. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you’ll walk away with concrete strategies you can use immediately and one big reminder: stay curious. When we approach math with curiosity instead of urgency, kids don’t just get better at math; they start to see themselves as mathematicians. John Hattie Visible Learning [https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Guide-Visible-Learning-Introduction/dp/1071953095/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=186026281843&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ky53FZZS7tAislJpukR31VDUv3eBZlxX7dl-wUPnsouVNvlXcDzPdO4jtK7WxEPvR4pf0XwRuSw5F7hSHvlzCFzf_5UEoDojMg1OAwu4tYzbs-Zq5SwNZBLaD0QWBDI9vUHk6UIyFD0NbJmdfFcQRlp8U4uu83iJJrWEQdUkX2Xeq1DEXeJfqRvmuAx5caL7awM9BKF1-RUlnpssCPhfMzUBIqPY6PSAzrevenMho_4.OMlfFdqZuap08XIxr3mOBWqxZLMr2faFCCwkgUSnzbE&dib_tag=se&hvadid=792681301908&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9002293&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=3281576078359925978--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3281576078359925978&hvtargid=kwd-788810311811&hydadcr=22128_13694853_2445835&keywords=hattie%27s+visible+learning&mcid=a08c2d6802983d75bdad6268d9404605&qid=1771093729&sr=8-1]- https://a.co/d/0dmL9m4K Pamela Seda- Choosing to See [https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-See-Framework-Equity-Classroom/dp/1951600800]-https://a.co/d/0fqolgH4 Math For the Wigglers and Dreamers - Kim Machnik [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LN-TndX63eWlZ-FmuxGU37EPwW9n8Ql/view?usp=sharing]- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LN-TndX63eWlZ-FmuxGU37EPwW9n8Ql/view Forefront Education - USNS [https://forefront.education/solutions/usns-project/]- https://forefront.education/solutions/usns-project/ OGAP [https://ogapmathllc.com/]- https://ogapmathllc.com/ Math For Love [https://mathforlove.com/]- https://mathforlove.com/ Want more from Amanda? Find her at:  Mathematical Minds LLC [http://mathematicalminds.org/]- https://mathematicalminds.org/ Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559199211889]: Mathematical Minds NH Instagram: mathematical_minds_nh

Data isn't the Problem with Dr. Teri Marx

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2522493/open_sms] In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Teri Marx to unpack one of the most pressing tensions in education today: if we know what works, why aren’t we consistently doing it? We dive into evidence-based practices and the persistent implementation gap that keeps at-risk students from receiving the instruction they need. Our conversation explores the difference between adopting a program and truly implementing it with fidelity, the role of data in guiding decision-making, and the challenges schools face when translating research into daily practice. We also discuss specially designed instruction, how systemic and congressional policies shape what happens in classrooms, and the day-to-day realities educators navigate as they try to do right by students. From funding structures to competing initiatives, we examine the structural barriers that make sustainable implementation so difficult. This episode is a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and what it will take to close the gap between research and reality, especially for students who cannot afford for us to get it wrong.  https://www.placellc.org/about

Designing Learning that Lasts with Jay McTighe

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2522493/open_sms] In this episode, I sit down with Jay McTighe, internationally recognized educator and co-author of Understanding by Design, one of the most influential frameworks in curriculum and instructional design. Jay shares insights from more than four decades of experience as a teacher, curriculum developer, and thought leader. We delve into the heart of backward design, exploring what it truly means to plan with the end in mind, and how educators can move beyond “coverage” to create meaningful learning experiences that foster understanding, transfer, and student engagement. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, school leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical takeaways and big-picture wisdom for rethinking how we design learning that lasts. Resources:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CcrYMOSANKgScwavyjzP-vtWUFo0DD28?usp=sharing [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CcrYMOSANKgScwavyjzP-vtWUFo0DD28?usp=sharing] https://jaymctighe.com/ [https://jaymctighe.com/] Keep an eye out for his new book!

Snackin' and Yappin'

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2522493/open_sms] In this episode, I talk with my sister Tania Siff, unpacking and talking about everything from a childhood running around in the woods to neuroplasticity.