Make Math Happen
Make Math Happen (formerly known as PD for the SOUL) is the podcast for educators ready to move with intention and teach with impact. Hosted by math coach and equity-focused educator Laneshia Boone, each episode bridges practice and purpose to help you design instruction that centers students, builds capacity, and makes learning stick—especially for those pushed to the margins.
Every week, you’ll get strategies that work in real classrooms, grounded reflections that challenge the status quo, and conversations with educators who are making bold moves in math education. From planning with purpose to using charts that anchor learning, from building strong routines to disrupting expired rules, this podcast is where meaningful math instruction comes to life.
You’ll walk away with ready-to-use tools, fresh insight, and the confidence to make every lesson count.
Because when we move with care, plan with clarity, and teach with courage, we make math happen.
Make Math Happen
Inside the Black Box – Using Formative Assessments to Move the Needle
Join the Math Collective!
In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Inside the Black Box by Black and William (1998) and explore why improving formative assessments can lead to significant and substantial student growth.
As a math coach, I see firsthand how formative assessment opportunities often go unseized—not out of neglect, but due to the challenges teachers face with time and providing meaningful feedback. We'll discuss:
- Why knowing whether students are proficient isn’t enough,
- The role of feedback in moving students forward, and
- The importance of building a classroom culture where students can self-assess and chart their own pathway to success.
I’ll also share insights from my district’s framework and how it supports teachers in thinking about pathways to proficiency, as well as the challenges of individualized feedback in today’s classrooms.
Join me as we unpack the "sweet spot" of formative assessment—knowledge of the goal, knowledge of current performance, and knowledge of how to close the gap. This episode is packed with practical ideas and strategies to help you enhance your practice.
Ready to dig into what’s happening inside the black box of your classroom? Tune in now!
Resources Referenced:
- Inside the Black Box by William & Black (1998)
- Visible Learning by John Hattie
- How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students by Susan Brookhart
Oh, and don't forget to register for my upcoming webinar here!
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Make Math Happen podcast! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, subscribe on your favorite listening platform, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
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